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WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
*In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  
UNITED STATES 
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 14 AND 16 DECEMBER 2022  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Daniela  Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later than  
20 February  2023. 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
ÉTATS-UNIS 
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 14 ET 16 DÉCEMBRE  2022 
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat (Daniela  Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 20 février  2023 au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
ESTADOS UNIDOS  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 14 Y 16 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2022  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría ( Daniela  Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , 
o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 20 de febrero de 2023  las correcciones fácticas que deseen 
introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
 
_______________  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
UNITED STATES 
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Ángel Villalobos Rodríguez  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED STATES  ...................  5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  14 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED STATES  AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  95 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  104  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by the United  States are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/434/Add.1 and will be available online 
at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The 15th Trade Policy Review of the United  States was held on 14 and 16 December  2022. 
The Chairperson, H.E.  Mr Ángel  Villalobos  Rodríguez (Mexico) welcomed the delegation of 
the United  States, headed by H.E.  Ms María  Luisa Pagán , Deputy U.S.  Trade Representative and 
Chief of Mission in Geneva; the rest of the delegation; and the discussant, H.E. Ms Cheryl  K. Spencer 
(Jamaica) . 
1.2.  The Chairperson was pleased that, in addition to physical presence, the meeting also benefited 
from the Interprefy onl ine connection, allowing for a wider participation of the Membership.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs and the main elements of procedures for the 
meeting. The Report by the United  States is contained in document WT/TPR/G/ 434, and that of the 
WTO Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/ 434. 
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: Oman; 
Guatemala; China; United  Kingdom; Chinese  Taipei; Costa  Rica; Australia; Israel; Argentina; 
Hong Kong,  China; Singapore; Eu ropean  Union; Japan; Chile; Uruguay; Russian  Federation; 
Republic of Korea; Colombia; Canada; Dominican  Republic; Philippines; Brunei  Darussalam ; Brazil; 
Switzerland; Thailand; Ukraine; Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia; Mexico; New  Zealand; El  Salvador; and 
Malaysi a. The following delegations submitted written questions after the deadline: Norway, 
Honduras, India, Türkiye , Iceland, Kazakhstan , Viet  Nam, Indonesia, and Ecuador.  
1.5.  The Chairperson recalled briefly some elements of the United  States' previous Review and 
developments since then, as well as ident ified some key issues ar isen from the advance written 
questions submitted by Members for this TPR.  
1.6.  During the previous TPRB meeting on 17 and 19  December  2018, Members had commended 
the United  States for the good pe rformance of its economy stimulated by a pro cyclical fiscal policy. 
They had noted that the United  States was the leading exporter of goods and services that embody 
intellectual property and both a top source and destination for foreign direct investment.   
1.7.  The United  States was complimented for being among the main architects of a rules -based 
international trading system. Members highlighted the traditional leadership role of the United  States 
in the WTO.  
1.8.  Members were of the view that the U .S. trade and i nvestment regime had remained overall 
open and liberal and that nearly 70% of all imports entered duty free. The United  States was 
commended for taking measures to further facilitate trade, and for strongly backing the entry into 
force of the WTO  Agreement  on Trade Facilitation.  
1.9.  Amidst this positive assessment, some concerns were raised regarding the active recourse to 
anti-dumping and countervailing measures, as well as their long duration, the use of global safeguard 
measures, and action taken under Sect ion 232, related to U.S. national security, in the form of 
additional tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium products. Members also raised concerns with 
respect to the introduction of new "Buy American" provisions with respect to government 
procurement legislation.  
1.10.  While praising the United  States' efforts to reform global agricultural trade, some Members 
reiterated their long -standing  concerns regarding aspects of U.S. agricultural policy.  
1.11.  For th e current  Review, in their advance written questions, Me mbers expressed interest in 
learning more about the following areas: environmental protection; sanctions; "fast track" authority; 
reauthorization of GSP; position regarding the DSB; fisheries agreement implementation; foreign 
investment review process; nat ional security; incentives availability; additional tariffs applied on 
imports of steel and aluminium; Section  301 investigations; import tariff quotas; increase in the 
number of AD and CVD investigations; amendments to the regulation on enforcement of tra de 
remedies; methodology used for determining and imposing AD and CVD duties; tightening of export 
controls and enforcement; Buy American provisions and waivers; set asides in government 
procurement; protection of geographical indications; domestic support  in agriculture and fisheries; 
and cabotage restrictions under the Jones Act, among others.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  1.12.  In total, the United  States has received over 1,900  advance written questions from 
40 delegations for this Review, out of which over 1,500  questions from 31  delegations were sent 
within the established deadline. Prior to t he meeting, the United  States already provided written 
replies to most questions submitted within the established deadline.  
1.13.  The meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greate r detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. It was also an opportune 
moment for the United  States to update the Membership on the impact of COVID -19 on its economy, 
the measures it has taken in respons e and their outcome. The Chairperson looked forward to a 
fruitful exchange.  
1.14.  The Chairperson closed h is introductory remarks by wishing the United  States  a very 
successful 15th Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF T HE UNITED  STATES 
(H.E. MS MARÍA LUISA  PAGÁN) 
2.1.  We are pleased to participate in the 15th Trade Policy Review of the United  States. Thank you 
in particular to my esteemed colleague, Ambassador Cheryl  Spencer, Permanent Representative of 
Jamaica, for serving as our discuss ant. Let me also express our appreciation to Ambassador 
Villalobos for serving as Chair of the TPRB, and for his many contributions to the WTO . 
2.2.  We commend the Secretariat's team for producing an informative Report. Our colleagues in 
Washington appreciated the dynamic series of discussions with Members of the Secretariat's 
TPR Division earlier this year.  
2.3.  The United  States places high value on the Trade Policy Review Mechanism. When used well, 
TPRs promote greater understanding of Members' trade policies and practices. We actively 
participate in other Members' reviews and encourage all Members to remain engaged and co mmitted 
to productive exchanges in this format.  
2.4.  In this review cycle, we received more than 2,000  questions. The vast majority of Members 
submitted questions that reflect genuine interest in the U.S. trade regime. But it must be said that 
a handful of Mem bers submitted voluminous questions that were neither constructive nor 
reasonable. Such an approach undermines the TPR process and limits opportunities for fruitful 
exchange. Because we value the utility of the TPRM, we intend to reflect and seek improveme nts as 
part of the current reappraisal and broader WTO reform.  
2.5.  The United  States remains one of the most open and competitive economies in the world. This 
TPR provides a compelling reminder that our trading partners expect – and need – the United  States 
to ensure its economy continues to thrive.  
2.6.  The United  States is the world's largest single -country importer. In 2020, the United  States 
purchased 17.6 % of goods and services exports from the rest of the world, not including exports 
within the European  Union . 77 countries count the United  States as their first, second, or third 
largest export partner.  
2.7.  U.S. tariffs are among the lowest in the world. The U.S. simple average tariff is 3.4 % on an 
applied basis and 2.3 % on a trade -weighted basis. In 2021, 66 % of all U.S. imports, including those 
under preference programs, entered the United  States duty -free. U.S. service markets also remain 
open to foreign providers. U.S. regulatory processes are transparent, accessible, and open to the 
public, including to non -U.S. citizens.  
2.8.  According to UNCTAD, the United  States continues to attract the largest inward flow of foreign 
direct investment at USD 367.4  billion. Total stock of FDI in 2021 stood at USD 13.6 trillion. We 
attribute these flows to our unmatched diversity, a  thriving culture of innovation, and the most 
productive workforce in the world, among other assets. The United  States  is also the world's largest 
investor with FDI outward stock of USD 9.8 trillion.  
2.9.  As these figures underscore, the openness of the U.S. ec onomy to goods, services, and 
investment remains a critical driver of global economic growth, higher living standards, and 
sustainable development.  
2.10.  We are also steadfast in our commitment to provide technical assistance and engage in 
economic cooperation t o support sustainable development globally. We do this primarily through the 
U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID. Our partnerships are driven by 
host-government priorities. Programs are delivered in a wide variety of formats to suit the nee d. 
They range from single -country projects to regional trade programs to global facilities that are 
positioned to provide on -demand technical assistance.  
2.11.  I'd like to briefly provide a few examples of pragmatic, effective U.S. partnership program mes. 
The Prosper Africa Initiative leverages private capital to create economies of scale for firms seeking 
to utilize U.S. preference programs. Since 2019, the initiative has directly supported U.S. -Africa 
trade through more than 280 business -to-business deals wor th over USD 22 billion.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  2.12.  The United  States also has a variety of programming to help Members achieve the benefits of 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement. For example, the United  States committed USD 200 million to 
support customs improvements in Guatemala, Ho nduras, and El  Salvador, including through the 
creation of a Border Academy. We also provide trade facilitation assistance to 15 countries through 
our West African Trade and Investment Hub in partnership with the Borderless Alliance.  
2.13.  These types of partner ships are yielding concrete results. After reviewing documentation 
requirements, seven partner countries streamlined requirement on food products, reducing time and 
costs by an average of 15  hours and nearly USD 42 dollars for each document eliminated. It' s a 
savings that adds up to real benefits, particularly for small traders.  
2.14.  We are also working closely with our African partners to overcome the challenges of the 
pandemic, for instance by helping governments and organizations that procure public health go ods 
to digitize their procurement processes, increase collaboration among national health agencies, and 
mitigate delays at the border for donations. In Sub -Saharan Africa, the United  States distributed 
critical vaccines, including through the U.S. Initiative for Global Vaccine Access. These are just a few 
examples of our sustained commitment to trade -related technical assistance and capacity -building.  
2.15.  For many decades, the United  States has led by maintaining a fundamentally open economy. 
We played a key role in creating the GATT and subsequently the WTO, joining other likeminded 
countries to negotiate rules dedicated to openness and transparency, and to fair, market -oriented 
competition, grounded in the rule of law and predicated on values that bene fit all.  
2.16.  The system we helped build embodies an optimistic vision. Despite different histories and 
challenges, we understood there was a common goal: to create opportunities for our citizens to 
realize their economic potential.  
2.17.  The world has turned over m any times since 1947, and again since 1995. We now find 
ourselves in far different circumstances that require careful examination of some long -held 
assumptions.  
2.18.  The Biden -Harris administration firmly believes that working pragmatically with partners in 
all corners of the globe, and at all levels of development, is necessary to better the lives of our 
people.  
2.19.  That purpose —bettering the lives of our people —lies at the heart of the WTO and at the root 
of our commitment to this organization. The Marrakesh Decl aration and Agreement, on which the 
WTO is founded, begins with the recognition that trade should raise living standards, ensure full 
employment, pursue sustainable development, and protect and preserve the environment.  
2.20.  These objectives are timeless. A WT O that focuses on them deserves our commitment and 
energy.  
2.21.  We must acknowledge that Members have, at times, lost focus on the WTO's foundational 
objectives. Gains from trade for consumers are elevated while the impact on our producers and 
workers is downpl ayed. People are workers, not just consumers. To raise living standards in a 
sustainable and inclusive way, meaningful work must be available for all parts of our societies. 
Employment and the social bonds provided by that employment are a foundation for f amilies, 
neighbourhoods, and communities.  
2.22.  Economic models that predict overall welfare gains from trade assume a perfectly level playing 
field, but fail to account for how the world actually works. The playing field is not level. Gray areas 
in the rules ar e easily exploited to the detriment of our workers, our communities, and our industrial 
development. Liberalization has benefits but also comes with costs; fragmented supply chains 
generate vulnerabilities. De -industrialization decimated some of our manufa cturing communities. 
Economic efficiencies helped keep prices low, but they also encouraged a race to the bottom in 
protecting workers and the environment.  
2.23.  The past three years have revealed vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Faced with a 
pandemic th at killed millions, we did not always have critical equipment and goods when and where WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  we needed them. Like others, we depended on production far from our shores, in countries whose 
governments must be accountable to their own people, in the midst of their  own crisis response.  
2.24.  The pandemic also led to wider disruptions in many supply chains. The Biden -Harris 
Administration responded with urgency, establishing the Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to 
address immediate bottlenecks and ultimately build a mor e resilient, globally competitive goods 
movement chain. The Task Force worked with ports, ocean shippers, trucking companies, and supply 
chain operators to reduce congestion at the ports, expedite intermodal transportation, and reduce 
shipping costs for bo th imports and exports.  
2.25.  The Russia n Federation 's full -scale invasion of Ukraine is causing unimaginable death and 
destruction in Ukraine. This brutalization of Ukraine's people is barbaric. The Russia n Federation  
continues to attack Ukraine's energy infras tructure as winter arrives. Its war against Ukraine has 
also wreaked havoc on critical global supply chains. The United  States will continue to support 
Ukraine's courageous efforts to uphold its territorial integrity and protect its population. Working 
with our partners and allies, the United  States will continue to take all appropriate measures to 
defend the rules -based international order that the Russia n Federation  has so egregiously violated.  
2.26.  In this more challenging era, it is even more important for t rade—and the WTO's role in the 
multilateral trading system —to be a force for good. There is a perception that deliberations at the 
WTO do not reflect the lived experiences of regular people, including the insecurity and fragility they 
feel. That must chang e. For the WTO to be relevant, our work here must help improve the lives of 
regular people. Members must be able to work here to tackle global challenges as they arise.  
2.27.  This new, more challenging era requires that we all adapt. The United  States is no exce ption. 
We are moving forward to adapt our trade policies and initiatives to the circumstances of today, by 
pursuing fair competition, addressing the climate crisis, protecting our national security, and making 
the trading system more resilient, sustainable , and inclusive.  
2.28.  The Biden -Harris Administration continues to advance a trade policy that stands up for 
workers' rights. We are working across the U.S. Government and with our partners to eradicate 
forced labour from global supply chains. And we are promot ing a broader agenda of fair competition 
to ensure that workers compete on the basis of skills and creativity, not exploitative cost advantages. 
We will work with our partners and allies to chart new trade rules that advance decarbonization and 
other criti cal environmental standards, support sustainable farming, and promote sustainable and 
resilient supply chains.  
2.29.  Exploitation of workers and the environment are not the only forms of unfair practices that 
damage our workers, industries, and communities or t hat provide others with artificial comparative 
advantage. Non -market policies and practices, including industrial targeting, also violate notions of 
fair competition. We continue to work with our partners and allies to address these shared challenges 
and p romote a level playing field.  
2.30.  To seriously combat the climate crisis, there is an urgent need to increase investments in 
clean energy technologies. Many Members agree. In their TPRs, other Members have shared their 
national strategies to address climate ch ange, including steps toward net zero emissions.  
2.31.  The transportation sector is the highest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the 
United  States. We will not meet our Paris commitments and other climate goals without bold action 
to promote major new inve stments in clean energy technology, especially incentives for electric 
vehicle production and their adoption. For the United  States, the Inflation Reduction Act and the 
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are key tools to meet these critical objectives. Both law s provide 
incentives to encourage a rapid transition to clean transport. They ensure we can create more diverse 
and robust supply chains and promote the domestic adoption of clean vehicles.  
2.32.  We are in the early stages of developing the regulations for this program me. We are 
considering input from all stakeholders as the Department of Treasury moves forward with its public 
process in implementing these credits. Several of our trading partners already have taken advantage 
of the opportunity to participate in o ur transparent process, and there will be future opportunities to 
engage in this process.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  2.33.  In discussions regarding electric vehicle measures, the starting point should be the 
importance of working to achieve our overall climate, supply chain, and related g oals in parallel – 
and to do so in a way that will have support from our stakeholders. This includes our shared goal in 
ensuring we achieve the Paris commitments.  
2.34.  The United  States is also moving aggressively to protect its national security in this more 
challenging era. U.S. national security requires that we cataly ze long -term growth in the domestic 
semiconductor industry and advance U.S. leadership in R&D.  
2.35.  The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year  2021 authorized semiconductor 
manufacturing and R&D activities. The CHIPS Act of 2022 enhanced this program me and 
appropriated USD 50 billion to the Department of Commerce to implement it. Those entities that 
apply for incentives through the CHIPS program me will be subject to the Act's national secu rity 
limitations. As is clear from the text of the law, the contemplated support is consistent with the WTO 
agreements, including the Subsidies Agreement.  
2.36.  This era of greater challenge and uncertainty also requires that we work differently with our 
partner s to build a trading system that is more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive. In May, the 
United  States launched the Indo -Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) among 14  partners. Our 
collective aim is to develop a modern economic arrangement that delivers broad -based economic 
connectivity, benefits our workers, combats climate change, builds resilient supply chains, and levels 
the playing field for our companies. We will advance this vision in the Western Hemisphere as well, 
through the Americas Pa rtnership for Economic Prosperity.  
2.37.  Adapting to a different era is not a simple or speedy task. It raises difficult and important 
questions for the United  States, for our partners and allies, and for all Members in this room.  
2.38.  In seeking to answer these ques tions, U.S. engagement is guided by fundamental aspects of 
our republic and of our polity. Being a representative democracy, our government is accountable 
and responsive to the American people. We expect —and respect —the same from other 
representative democ racies. We must consider the human component of our economies and justify 
the benefits of our policies to all of our people. If the policies and measures we consider do not 
benefit our people, then we cannot pursue them.  
2.39.  To the extent these policies and measures implicate our national security, the United  States 
will determine what is necessary. We will not apologize for this. This is a fundamental attribute of 
sovereignty.  
2.40.  Some will misconstrue my comments today as a call for unilateral and  protectionist policies. 
This is incorrect.  
2.41.  The WTO remains a valuable part of how we conduct our international economic relations. 
However, the WTO also needs to adapt if it is to retain its value in an ever -changing world.  
2.42.  WTO rules are important, but t hey are not an end in and of themselves nor are they immutable 
or static. Individuals adapt to changed circumstances; democratic governments respond to the 
changing needs of our peoples; and the WTO as an institution must similarly evolve.  
2.43.  That is why we s ought to play a constructive role in producing outcomes at MC12 we can all 
feel proud of, and it is why we are committed to reform.  
2.44.  The WTO as an institution is a collection of the membership. So, first and foremost, we must 
all make the effort to engage d ifferently at the WTO —in committees, in negotiations, and in resolving 
disagreements. Let's use every opportunity to engage meaningfully with each other. We don't need 
to agree on everything, but we must agree on one thing – that we will engage more constr uctively.  
2.45.  We must reform by doing. Many of you have heard me complain how much time we waste on 
process – discussing how we are going to discuss something – if we agree it is worth discussing. 
Process is necessary, but it should not be used to prevent will ing Members from talking to each 
other. There is a lot of talent and good ideas among Members on how to move forward and address WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  today's challenges. We must be open to the idea that working in smaller or different configurations 
can pave the way for future  advancements that benefit all Members.  
2.46.  The United  States was the first Member to table a reform proposal five years ago and we 
intend to remain at the forefront of these reform efforts. We will work with any Member that is 
committed, as we are, to the pri nciples and foundational objectives that brought us here many 
decades ago.  
2.47.  Even as we undertake reforms at the WTO, it is important to acknowledge and support the 
good work that is happening here. This includes efforts to implement our agreements, particul arly 
on trade facilitation, TBT, and SPS. The transparency elements are vital and valuable, and we fully 
support this work.  
2.48.  In closing, I'd like to repeat our appreciation for this opportunity for thoughtful engagement 
with Members during the next few days . 
  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  I extend a warm greeting to my colleague, Ambassador Ms María  Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade 
Representative and Chief of Mission, and Head of Delegation, as well as other members of the U .S. 
delegation.  
3.2.  I am pleased to participat e as a discussant in today's 15th Trade Policy Review of the 
United  States of America and convey best wishes to its esteemed delegation for a successful 
meeting.  
3.3.  Members may be aware that the U .S. trade policy review was twice postponed, through no 
fault of their own, but because of circumstances beyond their control. In the first instance, the 
outbreak of the COVID -19 pandemic in 2020 was one that none of us anticipated. Second, the 
Review was postponed, to facilitate the convening of the 12th Ministerial  Conference in June this 
year, which we can all agree, was also a critical event for the WTO, after several postponements due 
to the impact of the pandemic.  
3.4.  Hence, the Government's Report, which includes updates that go beyond the period reflected 
in the Secretariat's Report, should be commended. We also look forward to any additional updates 
for the period since June of this year that the U .S. may wish to provide. I also wish to commend the 
Secretariat for preparing its very comprehensive Report, which gr eatly assists Members' 
understanding of the U nited States ' trade and trade -related policies.  
3.5.  Your introductory remarks, along with the presentation made by Ambassador  Pagán, have been 
insightful and informative, as they effectively set the stage for our d eliberations today.  
3.6.  Allow me to share some additional perspectives, which I hope will further contribute to 
enriching our deliberations.  
3.7.  With 13.6% of global GDP, the United  States remains the world's largest, and is one of the 
most influential economies . The United  States is a major trading partner to most WTO Members. As 
one of the world's most open trade regimes, the U .S. is the largest importer of merchandise goods 
and services, (representing 17.6% of global imports in 2020), and the second largest ex porter of 
merchandise goods and services, which stood at 13.6% of global exports in said year.  
3.8.  In addition, the IMF reports that the U .S. maintains its leadership position as the largest 
recipient of foreign direct investment – a position it has held for several years.  
3.9.  It is, perhaps, well -received that the United  States has also made a major contribution to 
outward investment, including in developing countries as the Government has detailed in its Report.  
3.10.  I am sure that WTO Members welcome the U nited States ' policy of continuous support for the 
integration of Membe rs into the global trading system, through trade, investment, and the provision 
of technical assistance and capacity -building to other WTO Members, in particular, developing 
countries, and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).  
3.11.  Within the WTO, these investment s, particularly through vehicles such as Aid for Trade, the 
activities of WTO ITTC and the trade facilitation facility, have played a significant role in capacity -
building.  
3.12.  In light of the role of the United  States as a major global stakeholder for investm ent and 
trade, and its continued leadership role as a major trading economy, the international economy is 
heavily impacted by the health of the U .S. economy, as well as its trade policies. It is in that context 
that the far -reaching impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on the economy of the U .S. must be 
situated.  
3.13.  The United  States was not unscathed by the COVID -19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, the 
economy of the U .S. experienced 11 consecutive years of expansion. However, the pandemic 
resulted in historic red uctions in the output of the United  States. This had far -reaching impacts - 
affecting the Federal Government's budget deficit, inflation, labour productivity and unemployment 
rates.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  3.14.  Notably, the Government reported that U .S. services exports and imports w ere more 
significantly affected by the pandemic, than goods exports and imports. This was largely as a 
consequence of the containment measures adopted both nationally and internationally, to curtail the 
outbreak. There were significant reductions in all ma jor indicators. For example, in 2020, real GDP 
fell by 3.4% and unemployment rates jumped to 14.7%. The U .S. budget deficit also rose to 
USD 3.1 trillion (or 15% of GDP).  
3.15.  It is understandable that the United  States experienced a 15% reduction in exports of goods 
and services in 2020, relative to 2018 and 2019, but posted strong recovery by 2021, surpassing 
2018/2019 levels. It is noteworthy that there has been another 20% increase so far in 2022.  
3.16.  We should convey our commendations to the U .S. Government for the COVID -related 
measures that were taken, including those directly related to trade and economic stabilization and 
which coincided with the swift recovery of its economy. There have been concerns, nonetheless, that 
some of the measures taken r equired further thoughts and, indeed, consultations, with the affected 
WTO Members. While COVID -19 presented us with unprecedented challenges, it is also an 
opportunity to reflect on how we respond to these challenges, in the future, in the least trade 
restrictive manner.  
3.17.  Notwithstanding the generally positive rebound, during the period under review, the U .S. 
trade deficit has widened. Notably, the combined goods and services trade deficit was 33% larger 
in May  2022, compared to the same period in 2021. It  is well noted that slow recovery in export 
markets may have led to the increased deficit. It would not be surprising if other WTO Members are 
experiencing this challenge. This, from my perspective, points to the need for a more balanced global 
economic re covery, which the WTO is well placed to facilitate.  
3.18.  The Director  General's Trade Monitoring Exercise would be useful in this regard. The 
United  States, being highly integrated into the global economy, should continue to play its role as a 
key multilateral  partner, in that context. This I propose should include the building of capacity to 
assist Members to assess their trade policy . 
3.19.  We are, therefore, heartened by the positive reports that the U .S. is experiencing strong 
economic recovery. We note that this recovery is driven by increases in consumption and 
investment, as well as the support packages established by the Government, and the easing of 
monetary conditions. For many indicators, the U .S. has even recorded stronger improvements over 
pre-pandemic levels.  
3.20.  Within this context, I share the following observations of the U nited States ' economic 
performance. In 2021, the U .S. recorded a real GDP growth rate of 5.7%. The U .S. Government also 
repor ted that as of July  2022, employment was 32,000  higher than the pre -pandemic peak of 
February  2020. The unemployment rate, therefore, fell to 3.5% in July  2022, when compared to the 
14.7% in April  2020 and 3.7% in 2019.  
3.21.  It is important to note that the IMF  indicates that as the U .S. continues to grapple with record 
high inflation (driven by higher energy and food prices), this could pose systemic risks for both the 
U.S. and the global economy.  
3.22.  The U nited States' post -COVID -19 trade policy has been guided b y its "Build Back Better" 
agenda. This includes: a focus on placing workers at the centre of trade policy; tackling the 
COVID -19 pandemic; as well as addressing the economic and trade practices of its main trading 
partners. The U .S. believes that promoting  an agenda of fair competition will ensure that workers 
are competing based on skills and creativity and eliminate inefficiencies and exploitative practices.  
3.23.  The ramping up of the promotion of the respect for labour rights as part of its engagement 
with t rade partners in 2021, through trade agreements, country -specific initiatives, capacity -
building, and technical assistance, is a natural outgrowth of that agenda.  
3.24.  The U .S. is party to several free trade agreements with approximately 20  countries. The issue  
of labour, including forced labour, is prominently featured in these agreements, including the 
United  States -Mexico -Canada Agreement (USMCA), which entered into force in July  2020. Of specific WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  mention is the U nited States' intention to develop its first -ever, focused, trade strategy, to combat 
forced labour.  
3.25.  Although the issue of forced labour is a sensitive issue for some WTO Members, it is widely 
understood that this is an emerging issue on which a discussion may be required, including the role 
of the W TO in tackling such an issue.  
3.26.  As it relates to the U .S. tariff regime, this remained largely unchanged, with tariff levels being 
nearly the same as in 2018. Additionally, U .S. preferential tariffs did not change significantly over 
the same period. The Sec retariat's Report noted further that during the period under review most of 
the products subject to the import prohibitions or licensing also remained unchanged. This reflects 
the long -standing predictability in the U nites States' trade regime.  
3.27.  It is in that context that I must mention the United  States' provision of non -reciprocal trade 
preferences, such as the Caribbean Basin Initiative, GSP and AGOA, to many developing countries 
and LDCs. These have had a positive impact on th eir trade performance, especially for those 
countries that have the United  States as a primary market. These preferences also form a key part 
of post COVID -19 economic recovery strategies of these countries. We have heard their testimonies 
during those mee tings at the WTO, which considered the extension or renewal of the waivers for 
those preferences regimes.  
3.28.  MC12 showcased the United  States' commitment to the multilateral trading system, with the 
WTO as its core institution. Its active engagement leading u p to, and, at MC12, together with the 
flexibility which it showed on the areas under negotiations, including fisheries subsidies, the TRIPS 
Waiver, WTO Reform, and food security, contributed to the success of the Conference.  
3.29.  To support its ideas of pursui ng of a fairer, more sustainable international economic regime, 
the United  States has advanced a robust reform agenda geared at reinforcing the WTO's negotiating 
function and on systemic issues.  
3.30.  The United  States have been very constructive in its advocac y and has been opening channels 
for dialogue on these issues, including on Appellate  Body and Dispute Settlement Reform. It has 
sought to deepen its collaboration with trade partners in the WTO, large and small alike, on ideas to 
update and enforce the rul es governing global trade. In addition, the U .S. has elaborated proposals 
which focus on promoting transparency; and improving compliance with, and enforcement of 
Members' WTO commitments. Concrete proposals on the reform of the WTO's dispute settlement 
function have also been submitted by the U .S., on which, I am sure, Members look forward to 
continued , open, and inclusive exchanges in the future. As we are aware, the reform of the WTO is 
an area which attracts varying perspectives on approach and vision.  
3.31.  During the review period, the U .S. continued to be a significant user of the WTO Dispute 
Settlement Mechanism. It actively engaged in numerous actions including those related to 
agricultural market access. We take note that the U .S. also initiated actions  relating to additional 
duties imposed by certain Members in connection to the U .S. administration's actions under 232 of 
the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The U .S. also continues to be an active user of anti -dumping (AD) 
duties. During the review period, 1 78 AD investigations were initiated. Moreover, the average 
duration of an AD measure at the end of 2021 was 10.4 years, down from 11 years in 2017. Members 
have raised questions on these practices including the methodology used for determining and 
imposing  AD and CVD duties. We look forward to a productive exchange on this issue during the 
review.  
3.32.  The Secretariat's Report noted that the U nited States' investment regime underwent several 
significant changes, including the passage of a new law and rules that expanded the types of foreign 
investment subject to examination, and the introduction of new reporting requirements for certain 
types of foreign direct investment. On this issue, some members have raised questions on the impact 
of the national security cla use on the foreign investment regime.  
3.33.  The U .S. continues to apply the full range of its trade laws, including Section  301 of the Trade 
Act of 1974 (Trade Act), as amended.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  3.34.  In addition, the U .S. participates in several Joint Statement Initiatives and Struct ured 
Discussions such as Trade and Environmental Sustainability and Electronic Commerce. As regards 
the latter, the U .S. has demonstrated the great importance which it places on electronic commerce 
through its advocacy for ensuring that WTO rules adapt to the increasing digitalization of trade.  
3.35.  In so doing, the U .S. has advanced engagement on digital trade issues across a range of fora. 
They should be commended for their collaboration on the Moratorium on E -commerce and the 1998 
Work Programme. It will be recalled that the U .S. also joined the recently concluded Agreement on 
Services Domestic Regulation.  
3.36.  Of course, we cannot fail to mention the active engagement of the U .S. in the Trade 
Facilitation Committee, including its contributions to the Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility. A 
number of trade facilitation measures were still being implemented during the review period, and 
several others have been launched. It has mad e seven notifications since its ratification of the TFA.  
3.37.  In keeping with its obligations, the U .S. continues to notify Members of its proposed and 
adopted technical barriers to trade (TBT) and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures in the 
respective WTO  Committees.  
3.38.  We commend the contributions of the U .S. across multiple other WTO negotiating fora, 
committees, councils, and sub -committees, including this Trade Policy Review Body in which the 
U.S. consistently participates.  
3.39.  It is unsurprising that the U .S. has received over 1 ,500 advance written questions from 
over 40 WTO Members – evidence of the strong interest in this Trade Policy Review exercise. 
Members were broadly concerned with (i)  fiscal policy issues; (ii)  the trade and investment regime; 
(iii) measures affecting imports and exports ; and (iv)  sectoral policies.  
3.40.  As it concerned U .S. fiscal policy, Members raised questions about the impact of the Inflation 
Reduction Act (IRA) and its compliance with WTO provisions.  
3.41.  In relation to the trade and in vestment regime, Members requested information about the 
impact or implementation of the arrangement on trade on steel and aluminium (low -carbon 
intensity); implementation and impact of sanctions; and the reauthorization of GSP programmes.  
3.42.  Concerns were a lso raised about the functioning of the Dispute Settlement Body, and the 
non-compliance with DSU rulings, domestic support programmes in agriculture and fisheries, as well 
as foreign operator limitations, among others.  
3.43.  Members were also keen to discuss the impact of the national security clause on the foreign 
investment regime.  
3.44.  The concerns regarding measures affecting imports and exports, relate to the impact and 
implementation of Section  301 tariffs, and their compliance with WTO provisions; in formation 
regarding the increase in the number of anti -dumping and countervailing duties investigations by 
the U .S.; Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) enforcement and its compliance with WTO provisions.  
3.45.  In summary, the reports before us indicate clear sign s of progress. The U .S. Government 
continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing global trade and in particular the functioning 
of the WTO. Notwithstanding this, some challenges remain to be overcome, in order to recover fully 
from the pandemic, as well as new challenges posed by the current geopolitical realities.  
3.46.  It is also anticipated that the outcome of this Review will contribute to efforts to increase the 
benefits to be derived from the U nited States' engagement in international trade and the W TO. 
  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
OMAN  
4.1.  It is a great pleasure for the delegation of the Sultanate of Oman to participate in the 15th Trade 
Policy Review of the United  States. We welcome H.E.  Ambassador María  Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade 
Representative and Chief of Mission in Geneva, and her distinguished delegation.  
4.2.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of the 
United  States for their detailed and comprehensive Trade Policy Review Reports. I also thank the 
discussant H. E. Ms Cheryl  Spencer, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Jamaica.  
4.3.  The Sultanate of Oman and the United  States have enjoyed a long and stable friendship, dating 
back to over 200  years. The two countries formalized their relationship when they signe d the "Treaty 
of Amity and Commerce " in 1833 — the first bilateral accord between the U.S. and an 
Arab Gulf State. Oman and the United  States continue to collaborate closely on regional security and 
stability, as well as economic prosperity and trade.  
4.4.  On the commercial front, bilateral trade continues to expand, and as we implement bilateral 
Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and we are looking forward to continuing engagement on trade issues.  
4.5.  Throughout 2021, trade stood at USD 3.2 billion. The United  States  is one of Oman 's top ten 
trading partners. The largest U.S. export categories to Oman are automobiles, aircrafts and related 
parts, industrial machines and engines, plastic materials, and pharmaceuticals.  
4.6.  Oman 's main exports to the United  States are industri al supplies, aluminium, fertilizers, 
jewellery, and oil by -products such as plastics. In 2021, the U.S. was the second  largest foreign 
direct investor in Oman.  
4.7.  As mentioned in the Secretariat Report, the United  States continues to be an active user of 
anti-dumping (AD) duties and countervailing duties. Oman as a developing country shares the 
concerns of the increase of these measures which had affected the developing countries exports 
especially in the recent years.  
4.8.  As an original WTO Member and largest sin gle trading country, the United  States has always 
played a key role in the operation of the WTO and participates in all of its major functions,  
4.9.  Oman would like to recall USTR statement in October  2021 about the WTO, confirming 
the United  States' continued  commitment to the WTO and recognized its importance.  
4.10.  Oman calls on the United  States to consider that special and differential treatment is a 
fundamental basis in the WTO and should be kept in favour of developing and least developed 
Members.  
4.11.  We believe t hat many issues are still under discussion regarding the reform, and we are 
certain that the United  States will continue to work constructively with other Members to deliver 
results on achievable outcomes at the WTO.  
4.12.  In the end, we would like to thank the  delegation of the United  States in advance for their 
replies to our questions on specific aspects about its trade policy. The delegation of Oman wishes 
the delegation of the United  States a very successful 15th Trade Policy Review.  
GUATEMALA  
4.13.  En nombre de Guatemala, quisiera dar la más cordial bienvenida a la delegación de 
Estados  Unidos, encabezada por la Embajadora ante la Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC) y 
Representante Comercial Adjunta de  Estados  Unidos , Sra.  María  Pagán.  
4.14.  De igual form a, deseamos resaltar la sólida labor de investigación y análisis realizada por la 
Secretaría de la OMC, reflejada en el informe de políticas comerciales de Estados  Unidos hoy 
discutido. Los datos contenidos en este informe nos dan en conjunto una visión mu y completa y WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  detallada, de la situación macroeconómica y de las políticas comerciales implementadas por 
Estados  Unidos.  
4.15.  Quisiéramos también extender nuestro más sincero agradecimiento a la  ponente, 
Sra. Cheryl  K. Spencer, Embajadora de Jamaica por la pres entación y el análisis tan objetivo y 
pormenorizado que ha tenido a bien compartir con nosotros el día de hoy en su calidad de ponente.  
4.16.  Aprovechamos la ocasión para destacar la gran importancia que reviste para Guatemala su 
relación comercial con Estados  Unidos, país que históricamente ha sido nuestro socio comercial 
principal.  
4.17.  De acuerdo con cifras de 2021, alrededor del 31 ,35% de las exportaciones guatemaltecas 
tuvieron como destino el mercado estadounidense y abarcaron entre otros, artículos de vestuari o, 
café, bananos, una gran diversidad de frutas y vegetales, así como metales preciosos y 
semipreciosos, azúcar y manufacturas de papel y cartón. En sentido inverso, alrededor del 34 ,02% 
de las importaciones guatemaltecas provinieron de  Estados  Unidos, dur ante el mismo período. Éstas 
fueron principalmente productos manufacturados, tales como derivados de petróleo, máquinas y 
aparatos mecánicos, vehículos y material de transporte, así alimentos preparados para animales, 
productos plásticos, aparatos transmis ores y receptores.  
4.18.  Nuestra relación comercial con  Estados  Unidos se basa en estrechos lazos que se vieron 
consolidados desde la década de 1980 gracias a la implementación de la Iniciativa de la Cuenca del 
Caribe y posteriormente a través del Tratado de Libre Comercio 
Centroamérica -Estados  Unidos - República  Dominicana (CAFTA -RD). Desde entonces, el flujo 
comercial con Estados  Unidos ha incrementado significativamente.  
4.19.  Adicionalmente al importante proceso de liberalización del comercio de bienes y servicio s 
generado por el CAFTA -RD durante estos 16  años de entrada en vigencia del tratado ha contribuido 
a fomentar la inversión entre nuestros países, consolidar los encadenamientos productivos, reducir 
los costos de transacción y ampliar la gama de productos d isponibles para los consumidores.  
4.20.  Reconocemos los esfuerzos y logros importantes alcanzados por  Estados  Unidos durante el 
período estudiado. Resaltamos las diversas estrategias que han implementado para poder tener una 
recuperación rápida y solida luego de  la crisis sanitaria del COVID -19. Dentro de ellas cabe resalta 
la puesta en marcha del programa "Reconstruir Mejor", entre cuyos objetivos figuran los de poner a 
los trabajadores en el centro de la política comercial, afrontar la pandemia de COVID -19, ava nzar 
hacia un medio ambiente y un clima sostenibles.  
4.21.  Otro aspecto que destacar es el enfoque reciente que han dado a su política de competencia, 
la cual promueve la competencia en los mercados estadounidenses y la aplicación estricta de leyes 
antimonopoli o.  
4.22.  Estados  Unidos se ha fijado tener una política comercial inclusiva, duradera y para ello ha 
fijado objetivos claves dentro Plan Estratégico de la Oficina del USTR para los ejercicios 2022 -2022 
y en su Estrategia Nacional de Equidad e Igualdad de Género .  
4.23.  Agradecemos las respuestas a las preguntas planteadas por Guatemala en el marco de este 
examen.  
4.24.  Esperamos continuar fortaleciendo nuestros importantes vínculos comerciales y deseamos a 
la delegación que representa hoy a Estados  Unidos, una exitosa conc lusión de su examen de políticas 
comerciales.  
CHINA  
4.25.  I would like to start by thanking Ambassador  Pagán and the U .S. delegation for the 
preparation of this TPR. Welcome the colleagues from Washington. My thanks also go to the 
Secretariat for the work they have done, and to the discussant Ambassador  Spencer for her 
comprehensive report.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.26.  In today 's world, no one will doub t that the United  States is the most powerful country. It had 
also been a leader of the multilateral trading system until recent years. We are expecting the 
United  States to continue to play a leading role commensurate with its power. Just as 
President  Biden put it in his inaugural address, "lead by the power of our example ". 
4.27.  Regrettably, we have to express our deep disappointment today. That is, the United  States 
has failed to follow President Biden 's statement and has gone even further to the opposite dir ection 
since its last Trade Policy Review.  
4.28.  For the past four years, we had been expecting the United  States to lead by example of 
safeguarding core principles of the multilateral trading system. But even when with its rhetoric of 
returning to multilaterali sm, what we saw was "America First " and measures running counter to the 
fundamental principles of multilateral trading system. While chanting for a level playing field, 
the United  States has provided a large amount of discriminatory subsidies to its indust ries to gain 
predominance. While urging other Members to fulfil their transparency obligations, it has deliberately 
evaded the WTO agriculture box limit by way of "box shifting " and notification period splitting.  
4.29.  For the past four years, we had been expec ting the United  States to lead by example of 
promoting open trade and investment liberalization. But what we saw was an arbitrary protectionist 
together with unilateralism. Over 90  anti-dumping measures initiated by the United  States more 
than 20  years ago  still persist. The longest one could date back to the year as early as 1978. With 
Buy American Act, the United  States keeps foreign suppliers outside its government procurement 
market. The export control measures adopted by the United  States deviate alarm ingly further from 
the original tenet. What is worse, the U nited States'  foreign investment national security review is 
getting more arbitrary and stringent, resting on no facts.  
4.30.  For the past four years, we had been expecting the United  States to lead by e xample of 
implementing WTO dispute settlement rulings. But what we saw was a capricious rule -breaker. Even 
with the Panel rulings on its WTO inconsistent Section  301 and Section  232, the United  States 
continues to maintain its high tariffs imposed by the T rump Administration on a large number of 
products. The United  States has blocked the selection of Appellate  Body Members for 60  consecutive 
times and has refused to implement WTO dispute settlement rulings on quite a number of cases. On 
the other hand, it has appealed a dozen of cases to a dysfunctional AB. Just a couple of days ago, 
the United  States once again strongly rejected the Panel 's rulings on its Section  232 measures.  
4.31.  For the past four years, we had been expecting the United  States to lead by exam ple of 
safeguarding the predictability of global trade and investment and sustainability of the global supply 
chain. But what we saw was a United  States distorting the market -based global supply chain through 
"decoupling ", "friend -shoring ", building "small yard with high fence " and coercing key industry 
supply chains to move into the United  States. 1,000  batches of China PV  products have been 
detained by the United  States at its ports since June  2022, though there was high demand in the 
U.S. market. Such act disrupts normal trade flows and threatens the global efforts in addressing 
climate change. Furthermore, the "long-arm jurisdiction " is repeatedly used to coerce other WTO 
Members to abide by American domestic laws.  
4.32.  I will stop here thou gh I can list much more. Just to sum up:  
4.33.  Number  1, the United  States puts "America First " by prevailing its domestic laws over 
international rules and laws of others, disregarding WTO rules and concerns of other Members. 
Clearly, the United  States is a "destroyer to the multilateral trading system ". 
4.34.  Number  2, the United  States has put its own interests above the global common interests, 
bullying other Members to obey by leveraging its economic and technological power. Clearly, 
the United  States is a "unilateralist and bullying hegemonist ".  
4.35.  Number  3, the United  States applies different standards to others and itself. While demanding 
other Members to enhance disciplines and transparency, the United  States itself is implementing 
large-scale exclusive and disc riminatory industrial policies. Clearly, the United  States is a "double 
standards manipulator ". WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.36.  Number  4, the United  States is hanging onto the "Cold War " mentality of zero -sum game, 
abusing the concept of "national security " and disrupting the global supply chain by decoupling and 
disconnecting. Clearly, the United  States is a "disturber of the global supply chain ". 
4.37.  Finally, I want to emphasize on three points:  
4.38.  First, we are living in a diversified world. Diversity is a treas ure of human civilization. China 
is willing to enhance communication with the United  States, draw upon each other 's experiences and 
achieve win -win cooperation together.  
4.39.  Second, we are living in an interconnected world. Any containment effort is doomed to be 
futile, and the zero -sum game is bound to fail. China is willing to join hands with the United  States 
to tackle the economic recession and jointly respond to global challenges such as climate change 
and food security.  
4.40.  Third, we are living in a ever -changing world. China is willing to work with the United  States 
in advancing WTO reform, restore fully and well -functioning of the two -tier dispute settlement 
mechanism by 2024, and jointly safeguard a multilateral trading system that is rules -based, 
non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, just and transparent.  
4.41.  China hereby calls upon the United  States to respect the WTO rules that were drafted under 
its own leadership, preserve the authority of the multilateral trading system, and seriously live up 
to its s tatus as an example for all Members. We are expecting the United  States that has lost its 
direction to truly find its way back to the family of multilateralism at an early date.  
4.42.  I wish the 15th TPR of the United  States a full success.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
4.43.  May I warmly welcome the United  States ' delegation, led by our distinguished colleague 
Ambassador María  Pagán, to their 15th Trade Policy Review.  
4.44.  Let me start with a word about the ties that bind the U nited Kingdom and the United  States . 
We do  not just sit next to each other here in this room. Our nations have a deep and unique 
relationship grounded in shared history, values, and ambitions. We do more together than any other 
two countries in the world, with exceptional cooperation at every level of  society, culture, defence, 
intelligence, and the economy.  
4.45.  Our Heads of Government have made clear their commitment to open societies and open 
markets as the best way to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens. And of course, we have 
stood side by s ide once again in support of our Ukrainian friends in their fight for their freedom – 
and ours.  
4.46.  We have worked together to support our businesses trade and ensure our consumers enjoy 
a greater variety and range of products and services. In parallel, the U nited Kingdom  is also 
strengthening ties with individual states to deepen our overall trade and investment relationship.  
4.47.  The United States is at the heart of this Organi zation and its leadership is paramount to the 
survival and success of the WTO. As former U .S. Trade Representative and World  Bank, President 
Bob Zoellick , said "It is in the self -interest of the major developed states – and in the global interest 
– to be, with others, architects of the future ". Since the creation of the GATT , 75 years a go last 
month, the U nited States has always had a crucial role in shaping the global trading system.  
4.48.  We welcome the United  States recognition that trade can, and indeed should, be a force for 
good. We support President  Biden's emphasis on democracy and ope n societies, and we believe that 
free and fair trade lies close to the heart of these. So today I want to say to my U.S. friends that 
the WTO needs the U.S., more than ever. U.S. leadership – visible leadership – is crucial to global 
prosperity and to the effective functioning of the WTO. I urge the U.S. to join us in setting out 
ambition and engagement across all the WTO dossiers.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.49.  And we do  not have to look back far to see that engaged U .S. is beneficial to this Organization. 
The U .S. played an important r ole during MC12 in reaching the conclusion of the first stage of the 
fisheries subsidies’ negotiations, for which we should all be thankful. We also appreciate the 
constructive role it played in helping to secure agreement on the Ministerial  Declaration on  the 
Emergency Response to Food Insecurity.  
4.50.  One area where the U nited Kingdom  – like many others here this morning - believes we need 
to make more progress is the Dispute Settlement System. Without a fully -functioning Dispute 
Settlement System we are all l eft unable to fully reali ze the benefits of the agreements we have 
negotiated. We welcome the U nited States'  initiative to convene an informal process on Dispute 
Settlement reform.  
4.51.  But we must now deliver on our mandate to achieve a fully and well -function ing system as 
soon as possible, and by 2024. To get there, it  is incumbent on all WTO Members to come together 
with focus, urgency, and pragmatism, in order to reach an agreement on meaningful reform. 
The U.S. has a key role to help find a solution that ca n command the support of all Members.  
4.52.  Since the last U .S. TPR in 2018, the world has faced some of the biggest challenges of our 
time. We are all still grappling with the economic and health impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic 
which highlights just how import ant it is to keep trade flowing and supply chains open. And our 
future is more than ever endangered by climate change.  
4.53.  COP27 has given us all more to do. We all face the challenge of transitioning to a greener 
economy and ensuring the sustainability of our  supply chains. I want to salute 
the Biden  Administration for its ground -breaking Inflation Reduction Act this past August, and its 
far-sighted environmental provisions. At the same time, U .S. colleagues will know that my 
Government and the Governments of so many of our partners and friends have serious concerns 
about some of the policies in the Act which will inadvertently harm British businesses and impact 
global supply chains in batteries, electric vehicles, and wider renewables.  
4.54.  It is in all our interes ts to ensure that we do  not disrupt trading links in key industries that 
are essential for all of us if we want to reach net zero. We are in touch with the U .S. Administration 
about our concerns and I fervently hope a way through can be found. We should all work together 
to ensure that we can achieve our shared ambition for a greener future in a way that preserves the 
multilateral trading system and respects WTO rules.  
4.55.  Let me also emphasi ze that in our advance written questions, we paid particular attention to 
asking the U .S. about procurement barriers, including Made in America initiatives and Buy American 
policies. We look forward to continuing to work with the U.S. to ensure fair and transparent 
government procurement, through the WTO Government Procurement Agreement and in our 
bilateral engagement.  
4.56.  Let me highlight just one of many examples of the recent successes in our bilateral 
relationship supporting busine sses and consumers on both sides of the pond.  
4.57.  In early October we saw British lamb shipped to the U .S. for the first time in 25  years after 
we worked together to lift the long -standing U .S. ban on the import of British lamb. This means that 
over 300  millio n U.S. consumers will now be able to enjoy the U nited Kingdom' s succulent 
world -renowned lamb for the first time in a generation.  
4.58.  And we were pleased to see our U nited States-United Kingdom  Dialogues on the Future of 
Atlantic Trade mentioned in the United  States ' Government Report. The dialogues in Baltimore and 
Aberdeen earlier this year identified a range of collaboration opportunities including digital trade, 
support for SMEs and protecting labour and environmental standards. We look forward to future 
engagement with the U .S. on our shared priorities.  
4.59.  More than 80  years ago, our two great nations issued the Atlantic Charter, outlining our joint 
vision for the future of the world. In this Charter, Roosevelt and Churchill promised to respect their 
existing obligations and advance the enjoyment by all States, no matter how big or small of access 
to the trade on equal terms. Today, this promise needs to be upheld more than ever, not just by the 
United States and the United Kingdom , but by all of us who care ab out our future.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN, PENGHU, KINMEN AND MATSU  
4.60.  On behalf of t he Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, I would 
like to welcome the delegation of the United  States, led by Ambassador  Pagán, to its 15th Trade 
Policy Review. I also wish to thank the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Cheryl  K. Spencer of Jamaica, 
for her insightful discussion, and the WTO Secretariat for its excellent Report.  
4.61.  We are pleased to join the Review of a country of first ranking gros s domestic product (GDP) 
and the world's largest importer and second largest exporter. The economic strength of the 
United  States is also reflected in its rapid economic rebound in 2021 owing to many supportive 
policies and assistance measures by the Government under the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.62.  We also commend the United  States ' leading role among open economies to pursue a free, 
fair and open economy, based on market principles, strengthened transparency, greener energy, 
and enhanced digital transformation. Its  2021 "Build Back Better" agenda sets a good example for 
many WTO Members, including putting workers at the centre of trade policy, and promoting a 
sustainable environment and climate path. The United  States also has advanced development in 
customs facilit ation, including modernizing its customs procedures and taking initiatives to reduce 
IP violations at the border.  
4.63.  We applaud the United  States ' active participation in the WTO, especially its leading role in 
the informal discussion on the Dispute Settlemen t reform, which opens the prelude to the WTO 
reform agenda. The U.S. has called for more effective supervision of Members in the implementation 
of their obligations, and for greater transparency and predictability of their trade policies, which we 
support.  We also commend that the United  States ' active engagement in the joint statement 
initiatives, such as e -commerce and services domestic regulation, in order to make new rules to 
meet the new trading requirements of today and improve the negotiating functio n of the WTO.  
4.64.  We cherish the opportunities to work with the United  States in the areas of trade facilitation, 
technical barriers to trade (TBT) and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) in relevant WTO Committees. 
We also appreciate the United  States ' initiativ es for its trade -related capacity -building for developing 
and LDC countries. We stand ready to make joint efforts with the United  States to find ways of 
enhancing the multilateral trading system in the WTO.  
4.65.  One aspect that we would like to see improvement from the United  States is its continuously 
active use of trade remedy measures as shown in the Report. We urge the United  States to consider 
removing certain prolonged and unnecessary anti -dumping measures.  
4.66.  At the bilateral level, we have long enjoyed clos e partnership with the United  States in many 
areas of trade, such as innovation, technology, energy, IPR, agriculture, investment , and services. 
We are the United  States' eighth largest trading partner. The United  States is our second  largest 
trading partn er, second  largest export and third largest import market. It is also our third largest 
foreign investor and our second  biggest destination for foreign investment. We are also pleased that 
recently we have several large scaled bilateral investment projects , which greatly strengthen our 
economic ties.  
4.67.  We are pleased to cooperate on more initiatives with the United  States with the hope of 
leading the discussion of many new subjects in economic integration and creating a new model of 
fair, free and inclusive t rade. We look forward to further strengthening the economic cooperation in 
the future at bilateral, plurilateral, and multilateral levels.  
4.68.  We have raised some written questions and would like to thank the United  States for its 
replies.  
4.69.  Finally, we wish the  United  States a productive and successful 15th Trade Policy Review.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.70.  Quisiera iniciar resaltando la importancia del liderazgo y participación activa de los 
Estados  Unidos en la OMC. Como Miembro fundador de esta Organización y motor de la firma del 
GATT en los años 1940. Su liderazgo ha sido fundamental a través de la historia para preservar y WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  potenciar el sistema multilateral de comercio. Estados  Unidos es la mayor economía del mundo, 
altamente integrada a los mer cados internacionales, y principal socio comercial para muchos 
Miembros de la OMC, como lo es para Costa  Rica. Por todo esto, nos complace su interés en 
fortalecer y mejorar el funcionamiento del sistema multilateral de comercio en muchos frentes, a 
través  de la reforma de la OMC.  
4.71.   Costa  Rica comparte el interés de Estados  Unidos en lograr una OMC renovada, que siga 
cumpliendo un papel fundamental en sus funciones de monitoreo y vigilancia, negociaciones y, 
solución de diferencias. Por eso, hemos acompañado  propuestas conjuntas en áreas como 
notificaciones y transparencia. También valoramos su liderazgo en el ejercicio técnico para identificar 
intereses en materia de solución de diferencias, que nos conduzca pronto a un proceso más concreto 
de búsqueda de al ternativas para avanzar en esta área. Costa  Rica valora en particular este esfuerzo. 
Yo en lo personal, fui parte del Grupo Lacarte que negoció el Entendimiento de Solución de 
Diferencias en la Ronda de Uruguay, en la cual plasmamos flexibilidades para aco modar las 
necesidades jurídicas, pero también las necesidades políticas de cada uno de los Miembros. 
Confiamos que ese espíritu de negociar vuelva a existir en la OMC y que encontremos un resultado 
que sea aceptable para todos.  
4.72.  Estados  Unidos se ha manten ido históricamente como nuestro principal socio comercial. 
En 2021, representó el 43% de las exportaciones de bienes costarricenses, y el 38% de nuestras 
importaciones, con lo cual su participación en el comercio bilateral de bienes fue del 40%. Se destaca  
también como destino de más del 50% de las exportaciones de servicios costarricenses al mundo. 
Asimismo, Estados  Unidos continúa siendo la principal fuente de inversión extranjera directa de 
Costa  Rica. 
4.73.  Las economías de Costa  Rica y de Estados  Unidos son complementarias. La relación se ha 
apoyado en ideales y valores comunes y en el fortalecimiento de una institucionalidad que ha 
facilitado la comunicación entre sus autoridades; especialmente, desde la entrada en vigor en 
Costa  Rica del Tratado de Libre Co mercio República  Dominicana -Centroamérica -Estados  Unidos 
(CAFTA -DR), que además de fortalecer nuestra relación ha contribuido enormemente a fortalecer la 
integración de los países de Centroamérica porque aplica entre todos sus firmantes. Nuestra agenda 
bilateral se ha fortalecido bajo un enfoque sistémico, apoyada en la cooperación y la transparencia, 
dos pilares esenciales para mejorar la gobernanza del comercio en nuestra región, y maximizar las 
oportunidades de crecimiento en nuestros países.  
4.74.  Confiamos e n profundizar aún más esta relación, a través de la Alianza para la Prosperidad 
Económica de las Américas, en particular fortaleciendo nuestras cadenas de suministro, expandiendo 
nuestros lazos regionales y, promocionando infraestructura de calidad. Nuestr a relación comercial 
de larga data continuará siendo pilar fundamental para expandir los beneficios de un comercio 
sostenible, inclusivo y responsable, colaborando aún más en áreas como aduanas, facilitación del 
comercio, buenas prácticas regulatorias y ob stáculos no arancelarios.  
4.75.  Tanto el informe de la Secretaría como el del Gobierno, destacan la sólida y rápida 
recuperación de la economía de Estados  Unidos después de la pandemia del COVID (con un 
crecimiento del 5,7% en 2021), gracias a las medidas adopt adas, tanto a nivel sanitario, con la 
rápida vacunación de su población, como con las medidas de política fiscal y monetaria, que 
condujeron a una sensible recuperación de los niveles de empleo. Sin embargo, el aumento del gasto 
del consumo privado, unido a problemas en las cadenas de suministro, el aumento de los precios de 
la energía y los alimentos, han llevado, al igual que en muchas otras economías, a un aumento de 
la inflación. Sería interesante aprovechar este ejercicio para analizar las medidas toma das por el 
Gobierno para controlar este aumento de los precios.  
4.76.  Estados  Unidos tiene un papel preponderante en la generación de consensos en la OMC, por 
lo que los instamos a intensificar su participación en la búsqueda de soluciones en las negociaciones 
agrícolas, especialmente en ayudas internas y acceso a los mercados. También, reconocemos su 
liderazgo en la promoción de la transparencia y certeza en las reglas en materia de medidas 
sanitarias y fitosanitarias como en límites máximos de residuos en el co mercio de productos agrícolas 
y en otras áreas, así como la conclusión del Acuerdo sobre Subvenciones a la Pesca.  
4.77.  Compartimos con Estados  Unidos la importancia de avanzar en la agenda comercial 
multilateral para abordar los desafíos actuales del comercio i nternacional, en particular, la conclusión WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  de las negociaciones bajo la iniciativa conjunta en materia de comercio electrónico. Nos complace 
además que Estados  Unidos, se hayan sumado a los Miembros que concluimos las negociaciones 
sobre reglamentación nac ional en el ámbito de los servicios, cuyos resultados esperamos incorporar 
muy pronto en la OMC.  
4.78.  De igual forma, nos satisface la participación activa de Estados  Unidos en el diálogo 
estructurado sobre comercio y sostenibilidad ambiental (TESSD), que Cost a Rica tiene el honor de 
coliderar junto con Canadá. Creemos que este diálogo se ha convertido, con el trabajo de los 
Miembros y stakeholders, por el liderazgo respetuoso de las preferencias de los participantes sobre 
el proceso, en un bien público de la O MC para comprender mejor por parte de todos, la relación 
estrecha entre el comercio y la sostenibilidad ambiental.  
4.79.  Quisiera resaltar dos áreas que llaman nuestra atención en la evolución reciente de la política 
comercial de Estados Unidos:  
• Primero, en su informe de Gobierno, se destaca la prioridad en su política comercial de las 
cuestiones laborales y temas importantes para los trabajadores. Al respecto, se indica que 
se han acordado herramientas comerciales innovadoras con otros socios com erciales en este 
campo. Sería de interés conocer más sobre estas herramientas comerciales y su puesta en 
práctica.  
• Segundo, según el informe de la Secretaría, el 80% de la oferta interna de energía primaria 
de los Estados  Unidos la constituye los combustib les fósiles. Al mismo tiempo, el informe del 
Gobierno señala que la lucha contra la crisis climática y la promoción de prácticas 
ambientales sostenibles son prioritarias, y destaca la adopción de una nueva generación de 
políticas comerciales para promover la descarbonización. Sería de gran interés contar con 
más información al respecto.  
4.80.  En el contexto de este examen, Costa  Rica presentó varias preguntas a Estados  Unidos, 
algunas de las cuales hemos abordado en esta declaración. Agradecemos su atención y 
examinaremos con detalle sus respuestas.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.81.  Australia is pleased to participate in this 15th Trade Policy Review of the United  States of 
America and thanks the United  States and the Secretariat for their detailed and comprehensive 
Reports.  
4.82.  The United  States has long been a staunch advocate of a free and fair global trading system. 
From the establishment of the Bretton Woods institutions, U .S. leadership has been indispensable 
in underpinning the development of a multilateral trading system which provi des opportunity for all 
Members.  
4.83.  Since its last review in 2018, we have seen the important role that the United  States has 
played in responding to major events that require international cooperation. This includes U .S. 
support for global recovery from the  COVID -19 pandemic, such as through the development and 
distribution of COVID -19 vaccines. Australia also welcomed U .S. leadership in penali zing the 
Russia n Federation  for its illegal invasion of Ukraine. The Russia n Federation 's unilateral, illegal and 
immoral aggression against the people of Ukraine is a gross violation of international law.  
4.84.  U.S. contributions were important to making the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference a major 
success for the Organization on pandemic response, including as a driving fo rce behind the TRIPS 
waiver; fisheries subsidies; WTO reform; and the e -commerce moratorium. Australia also 
appreciates the United  States ' strong contribution to moderni zing the WTO rulebook, including 
through the E -commerce and Services Domestic Regulatio n Joint Statement Initiatives.  
4.85.  Australia underscores the central role of the WTO Dispute Settlement System in affording 
security and predictability to the rules -based multilateral trading system; and enabling smaller and 
middle -sized players in the system effectively to defend their rights. Given the urgency of restoring 
legal enforcement of Members ' WTO rights, we welcome the United  States ' recent efforts to begin 
discussions on dispute settlement reform. Australia wants to see the reform discussion result  in a WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  fully and well -functioning Dispute Settlement System accessible to all Members by 2024, in line with 
the MC12 mandate.  
4.86.  Open markets and liberali zed trade are key to achieving a level playing field, while 
contributing to regional and global food secu rity outcomes. Strong U .S. leadership on agriculture 
has always been critical to driving agricultural reform at the WTO and we look to such leadership, 
together with the Cairns  Group and other reformers, to resume long -stalled agricultural reform at 
the WT O. Without urgent reform, including to unsustainable levels of farm support, global 
agricultural policy settings will undermine critical food security and climate mitigation imperatives.  
4.87.  We welcome U .S. engagement and continued cooperation on multilateral and plurilateral 
efforts related to trade and environmental sustainability at the WTO. We look forward to continued 
cooperation on the important nexus of trade and climate.  
4.88.  The Inflation Reduction Act sends a strong signal about U .S. commitment to urgent c limate 
action. Australia encourages the United  States to ensure implementation and delivery of this 
legislation is conducted in line with its WTO obligations.  
4.89.  Australia welcomes the U .S. initiative to develop an Indo -Pacific Economic Framework for 
Prosperi ty (IPEF) and is pleased to be a founding member. Expanding and deepening regional 
economic cooperation through IPEF supports Australia 's commitment to a secure, stable, peaceful, 
and prosperous Indo -Pacific. Australia looks forward to the United  States ' hosting of APEC in 2023 
and stands ready to assist the United  States to deliver concrete outcomes, including on its host year 
priorities of digital trade, supply chain resilience, labour, state -owned enterprises, and stakeholder 
engagement.  
4.90.  Australia and th e United  States are building on long -standing  links to develop new 
opportunities for trade and investment in some of our most important industries, including tourism, 
green technology, critical minerals, frontier technologies, space, and creative industrie s. We 
encourage the United  States to continue to support strong trade and investment outcomes, including 
through government procurement opportunities for foreign suppliers. This would help support 
greater innovation, productivity, and job creation in the U nited States and for WTO Members.  
4.91.  We look forward to working closely with the United  States and other WTO Members to 
implement MC12 outcomes and progress reform of this important institution to ensure it remains at 
the core of the multilateral trading syst em into the future.  
4.92.  Finally, we note that Australia, like the United  States, values greater transparency in the WTO. 
We welcome the US ' active efforts to drive stronger transparency and notification processes at the 
WTO and improve the functioning of comm ittees. Australia sees Trade Policy Reviews as an 
important existing tool for providing transparency and we wish the United  States a successful Trade 
Policy Review.  
ISRAEL  
4.93.  Israel is pleased to participate in the United  States 15th Trade Policy Review at the WTO. First, 
we want to warmly welcome the U .S. delegation headed by H.E.  Ambassador Mar ía Pagán. Israel 
would also like to thank you, Ambassador  Spencer (Jamaica), for your insightful initial remarks. 
Lastly, we thank the Secretariat for the comprehens ive and informative Report.  
4.94.  Let me start by mentioning the close economic and trade relations Israel and the United  States 
have had for many years, including a free trade agreement signed in 1985 and which was the first 
FTA the U .S. signed.  
4.95.  The United  States remains the largest single economy in the world and accounts for a 
significant percentage of global trade. The U .S. also remains an important reference point for trade 
policy, and as is the case for many Members, it is also Israel 's most important sin gle trading partner.  
4.96.  Since the last Trade Policy Review, there have been many developments in the U .S. trade 
policy, and we will not dwell on all of these now; instead, we will focus on a few key ones from 
Israel's perspective.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.97.  Israel has been following se veral of the U nited State's trade policies as well as legal initiatives 
including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the CHIPS Act and repeated "Buy American " legislation. 
We note that the IRA and the CHIPS Act were discussed recently during the CTG Meetin g at the 
WTO. Israel remains interested in the impact and implementation of all of these measures.  
4.98.  On the bilateral front, Israeli companies have benefited from solid demand in the U .S. market. 
The U .S. accounts for roughly 26% of the total Israeli exports  of goods and 40% of Israel's export 
of business services, a trend that has steadily and exponentially grown since the 1985 FTA, having 
risen by around 540 % since then. Israel 's exports to the U .S. are dominated by precious metals and 
stones (diamonds), ph armaceuticals, optical and medical instruments, electrical machinery, and 
machinery. In contrast, the U .S. exports to Israel are dominated by precious metal and stone 
(diamonds), machinery, aircraft, electrical machinery, and optical and medical instrument s. 
4.99.  In 2021, U .S. exports to Israel increased by 25.8% comparing to 2020, while Israel's exports 
to the U .S. amounted to USD  16 billion, an increase of 24% in comparison to 2020. While FDI from 
the U .S. amounted to USD 27.6 billion in 2021.  
4.100.   On the multilateral front, U .S. participation and leadership in the WTO has been and 
continues to be vital if we want to ensure the future well -being of this Organization. On transparency, 
Israel is co -sponsoring the U .S. proposal to enhance transparency and impr ove compliance with 
notification requirements under the WTO  Agreement s, which currently has over 30  co-sponsors. 
Israel also shares the U .S. view regarding the need to improve the committees ' effectiveness and 
efficiency.  
4.101.   On dispute settlement mechanism, Israel welcomes the informal process on dispute 
settlement reform initiated by the U nited States. So far, we  have had beneficial exchanges, and we 
look forward to continuing engagement as we move soon to the third phase of the process. Israel 
believes that  finding a balanced and practical solution to this matter is of great importance for the 
continued success of the WTO.  
4.102.   During this TPR exercise, Israel submitted questions relating to trade and investment, 
overcapacity, supply chain resilience and the CHI PS Act. We look forward to reviewing the replies 
carefully.  
4.103.   Lastly, as we move into a new year, which is expected to be a Ministerial year, we are keen 
to see the U .S. leadership across all pending issues so that we can capitalize on the successes of the 
previous Ministerial and deliver outcomes at the next Ministerial.  
4.104.   The U .S. is not only a vital trade and economic partner; Israel and the U .S. enjoy close ties 
across many other areas, which we value and appreciate, and we look forward to continuing to bui ld 
on these.  
4.105.   We want to note the positive leadership which Ambassador Mar ía Pagán has demonstrated 
during her relatively short time in Geneva. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with 
her and her team.  
4.106.   We wish the U nited States a very succe ssful TPR and best wishes in the year to come to all 
of you.  
ARGENTINA  
4.107.   Quisiéramos en primer lugar dar la bienvenida a la delegación de Estados  Unidos, presidida 
por la Excma.  Embajadora María  L. Pagán, Representante Comercial Adjunta de Estados  Unidos y 
Jefa de Misión, y a todo su equipo de trabajo por su compromiso y liderazgo en la OMC.  
4.108.   Aprovecho también la oportunidad para agradecer los informes preparados por 
Estados  Unidos y por la Secretaría, así como el valioso aporte realizado por la Excma.  Embajadora 
Cheryl  K. Spencer de Jamaica, que nos han permitido profundizar nuestro conocimiento de las 
prácticas comerciales de este Miembro.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.109.   Argentina mantiene vínculos económicos muy estrechos con Estados  Unidos. En el ámbito 
de comercio de bienes y ser vicios, Estados  Unidos constituye nuestro tercer socio comercial. Aún 
así, el comercio bilateral con Estados  Unidos muestra un déficit crónico en detrimento de nuestro 
país. 
4.110.   Entre enero y octubre de este año, exportamos a Estados  Unidos bienes por un valor  de casi 
USD 5.800 millones e importamos bienes por más de USD 9.100 millones, cifras que implican un 
alza interanual significativa. Además, cabe destacar que, en el presente año, también presenciamos 
un fuerte crecimiento en el intercambio de servicios. E ntre enero y junio de este año las 
exportaciones de servicios de Argentina a Estados  Unidos alcanzaron un valor de casi 
USD 2.000 millones, mientras que las importaciones fueron de USD 2.700 millones.  
4.111.   Argentina y Estados  Unidos están transitando un excelen te momento de la relación bilateral. 
Prueba de ello es que en el mes de noviembre se realizó la III  Reunión del Consejo de Alto Nivel del 
Acuerdo Marco de Comercio e Inversión, que no se reunía de forma presencial desde 2018, y en la 
cual se trataron una a mplia gama de cuestiones económicas y comerciales, incluidas las 
preocupaciones comerciales de cada parte. Como resultado, se acordó trabajar en una hoja de ruta 
para resolver estas preocupaciones y mejorar la relación comercial bilateral. También se explo raron 
oportunidades de inversión y áreas de interés conjunto, incluyendo la transición energética, la 
economía digital y la financiación del desarrollo.  
4.112.   A Argentina le preocupa la serie de investigaciones de defensa comercial iniciadas en los 
últimos años contra productos sensibles para nuestra economía nacional y regional y para los 
sectores productivos involucrados, como es el caso de biodiesel, miel natural, jugo de limón, artículos 
tubulares para campos petrolíferos (OCTG) y jugo concentrado de uva blan ca. Esto es 
particularmente grave para Argentina que, teniendo en cuenta sus dificultades financieras, depende 
en gran medida de los ingresos por exportaciones. De hecho, según una estimación bruta, el valor 
de las exportaciones argentinas con acceso limit ado al mercado estadounidense asciende a casi el 
45% del valor de las exportaciones argentinas totales a Estados  Unidos. Esperamos poder trabajar 
de manera más cooperativa y apoyar los esfuerzos de nuestros exportadores por lograr acuerdos 
con la industria  estadounidense, como se propuso oportunamente en el caso del biodiesel, y de 
OCTG .  
4.113.   En materia agroalimentaria, ambos países estamos cooperando en temas de mutuo interés, 
como la intensificación sostenible de la producción, el comercio libre de barreras s anitarias o 
ambientales injustificadas, la adopción de nuevas tecnologías, el compromiso con la seguridad 
alimentaria, los desafíos del cambio climático y, por último, el fortalecimiento del multilateralismo. 
Argentina demuestra especial interés en profund izar estos lazos y avanzar en la cooperación para la 
construcción de capacidades locales en materia de fertilizantes.  
4.114.   Adicionalmente, quisiéramos resaltar que, el 31  de diciembre  de 2020 caducó el Sistema 
Generalizado de Preferencias de Estados  Unidos (SGP ) para todos los países beneficiarios dado que 
el congreso estadounidense no lo renovó. Expresamos nuestra esperanza de que el tratamiento del 
proyecto de renovación finalmente avance satisfactoriamente antes del final del año y que el nuevo 
régimen sea be neficioso para todas las Partes.  
4.115.   Argentina apoya y suscribe la iniciativa The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, 
anunciada en junio pasado por el Presidente  Biden durante la Cumbre de las Américas realizada en 
Los Ángeles, como un nuevo acuerdo histórico para impulsar la recuperación económica del 
hemisferio. Argentina está interesada en trabajar para desarrollar las áreas de interés identificadas 
en dicha iniciativa: revitalización de las instituciones económicas regionales y movilización de la 
inversión; resiliencia de las cadenas de suministro, tanto de energía como de alimentos; 
actualización de la negociación de inversiones públicas; generación de empleo en energías limpias y 
comercio sostenible e inclusivo.  
4.116.   Argentina destaca la gran resilie ncia de la economía de  Estados Unidos. Gracias a las 
medidas de apoyo y políticas implementadas por las autoridades estadounidenses, la economía ha 
podido hacer frente a los desafíos económicos presentados por la pandemia de COVID -19, elevando 
la tasa de c recimiento del PIB real al 5,7% en 2021.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.117.   Estados  Unidos es, al igual que la Argentina, un Miembro que se compromete de manera 
seria y constructiva con la OMC y el sistema de comercio multilateral basado en normas. En este 
sentido, celebramos el excelente h istorial de notificaciones de Estados  Unidos, así como su 
participación activa y valorada en los debates que se dan en el seno de esta Organización. Con 
Estados  Unidos hemos trabajado en diferentes propuestas para lograr un Acuerdo ambicioso sobre 
subvenciones a la pesca, y esperamos continuar haciéndolo en vistas a la segunda ola de 
negociaciones relativa a las disciplinas sobre sobrecapacidad y sobrepesca. Valoramos asimismo el 
liderazgo de los Estados  Unidos en relación a la adopción de la Declar ación sobre Cuestiones 
Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias: Responder a los Desafíos Sanitarios y Fitosanitarios Modernos. 
Continuaremos trabajando en avanzar en las iniciativas conjuntas de reglamentación nacional, 
comercio electrónico y en el grupo informal sobr e comercio y género.  
4.118.   En el marco de este examen de política comercial, hemos presentado a Estados  Unidos una 
serie de preguntas sobre la renovación del Sistema Generalizado de Preferencias, medidas de 
defensa comercial, medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias,  entre otras cuestiones. Agradecemos de 
antemano las respuestas proporcionadas, las cuales serán debidamente estudiadas por nuestros y 
nuestras colegas en Buenos  Aires; y esperamos continúe el fluido dialogo bilateral entre nuestras 
delegaciones.  
4.119.   Finaliza ndo, y al tiempo de reiterar nuestro reconocimiento por esta nueva oportunidad de 
intercambiar opiniones y consideraciones sobre las políticas y prácticas comercial de Estados  Unidos, 
no quisiéramos dejar de resaltar una vez más la importancia de este ejer cicio de transparencia en 
todos sus aspectos y desear a sus autoridades la exitosa conclusión de este ejercicio.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.120.   I would like to start by welcoming the delegation of the United  States  (the US) led by 
Ambassador María  Pagán. I would also thank Ambassador Cheryl  Spencer of Jamaica for serving as 
the discussant and the Secretariat for preparing the comprehensive Report.  
4.121.   The U .S. is an important trading partner of many WTO Members includin g Hong  Kong,  China.  
In 2021, the U .S. was our third  largest merchandise trading partner in the world, our second  largest 
export market and the sixth largest source of imports; our total trade in goods amounted to 
HKD 516.3  billion (US D 66.4 billion) in 20 21. The U .S. was also our second largest trading partner 
in services in 2020, with our total bilateral services trade amounted to HK D 178.9  billion 
(USD 23.1 billion). Meanwhile, the U .S. has been enjoying its largest bilateral trade surplus 
worldwide with  Hong Kong,  China.  
4.122.   As the largest economy in the world, the U nited States'  policies on international trade and 
investment have substantial impacts on the global economy and the WTO 's work. We appreciate the 
US' commitment and contribution to the WTO, and along with many other WTO  Members, we take 
the restoration of a binding, tw o-tier dispute resolution mechanism as a top priority. We thank the 
United States'  initiative in leading informal discussions on reform of the WTO Dispute Settlement 
System since April this year, but we believe this should not prevent us from resolving the  
Appellate  Body impasse early in parallel.  
4.123.   We have the following observations on the U nited States'  trade policy regime.  
4.124.   First, we have grave concerns about the discriminatory treatment by the U .S. against 
Hong Kong, China's  traders in its revised origin m arking requirement, which requires that all goods 
with Hong  Kong, China  origin be marked as "made in China ". The U nited States'  unilateral disregard 
of Hong  Kong,  China 's status as a separate customs territory and a WTO full Member on its own is 
unreasonab le and unjustified. Such move not only causes undue hardship to Hong  Kong,  China 's 
traders and confuses U .S. consumers, but also undermines the rules -based multilateral trading 
system. We have taken actions in accordance with the WTO dispute settlement pro cedures and look 
forward to early decision of the dispute panel and resolution of the dispute in accordance with the 
WTO dispute settlement mechanism.  
4.125.   On tariff, we note that the U .S. is still applying non -ad valorem  MFN tariffs for around 11% 
of its tari ff lines and maintaining relatively high tariffs on certain agricultural products, footwear, 
and textiles and clothing. We encourage the U .S. to consider converting the non -ad valorem  rates WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  to ad-valorem  ones to enhance the predictability of its tariff reg ime, and lower these relatively high 
tariff rates to further liberali ze the relevant product sectors.  
4.126.   Meanwhile, the U nited States'  decision to impose a global tariff at 25% and 10% on imports 
of steel and aluminium products as a result of the Section  232 investigation unreasonable, 
unjustified and inconsistent with the rules of the WTO. The measures not only hurt the rights and 
interests of Hong  Kong,  China, among many other WTO Members, but also pose a systemic threat 
to the multilateral trading system. H ong Kong,  China welcomes the rulings made by the panel and 
urges the U .S. to fulfil its obligations as a WTO Member by withdrawing the erroneous measures 
early.  
4.127.   On contingency measures, the U .S. continues to be an active user of anti -dumping 
measures. We urge the U .S. to exercise restraints and caution in initiating anti -dumping 
investigations and seriously review the necessity of the trade remedy measures, especially those 
that have been in plac e for long periods, to guard against abusive use.  
4.128.   As for export control, the U .S. has imposed numerous modifications to its export control 
regime during the review period on national security ground, with some target scopes covering 
Hong Kong,  China, irres pective of Hong  Kong,  China 's status as a separate customs territory and 
that we have put in place a comprehensive and effective strategic trade control system. We urge 
the U .S. to withdraw such unreasonable export control arrangements on Hong  Kong, China , where 
the measures are not supported by solid objective evidence.  
4.129.   In view of the unprecedented challenges to the global economy ahead, multilateral 
cooperation has become more important than ever. We look forward to continuing working with the 
U.S. in var ious areas of mutual interests in the WTO. Lastly, we thank the U .S. for their answers to 
Hong Kong,  China’s written questions and wish the U .S. a fruitful Trade Policy Review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.130.   Singapore extends a warm welcome to the delegation from the United  States, led by 
Ambassador Mar ía Pagán. We would also like to express our appreciation to the Chair Ambassador 
Ángel Villalobos, the Discussant Ambassador Cheryl  Spencer, as well as the Secretariat for their 
insightful Reports and statements. Allow me to make  three points.  
4.131.   First, as the world 's largest economy since 1871, the U .S. plays an indispensable role in the 
global economy, and has a unique responsibility in supporting the rules -based multilateral trading 
system. As the world 's largest consumer market and a major source of capital and technological 
innovation, the U .S. for almost of quarter of global GDP, one -fifth of global FDI and more than a 
third of global market capitali zation. American companies, such as Walmart and Amazon, are among 
the world 's largest companies and private sector employers. According to the IMF, the U .S. continues 
to be the world 's top destination for foreign direct investments and recorded the largest increase of 
FDI in 2021.  
4.132.   Regionally, the U .S. is a key dialogue partner of ASEAN. In addition to being the largest 
source of FDI for ASEAN, the U .S. is ASEAN 's second largest trading partner with merchandise trade 
amounting to over US D 360 billion in 2021. Singapore welcomes the U nited States'  continued 
engagement in the region, including through the Indo -Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity 
(IPEF), which is a forward -looking initiative that has the potential to deepen the United  States'  
strategic and economic engagement with ASEAN.  
4.133.   Second, Singapore and the U .S. share long -standing , multi -faceted, and robust bilateral 
economic relations, that have ge nerated significant economic benefits for both countries. Singapore 
is home to nearly  5,500 American companies, the value of the United  States'  foreign direct 
investments in Singapore amounted to over US D 294 billion in 2021, on a historical -cost basis, 
making Singapore the U nited States'  largest investment destination in Asia. Singapore 's investments 
in the U .S. and American exports to Singapore support more than a quarter million American jobs. 
The U nited States-Singapore FTA, conceived over a golf game b etween Singapore 's then  
Prime  Minister Goh  Chok Tong and then  U.S. President Bill  Clinton on the side -lines of the APEC 
Leaders ' meeting in Brunei  Darussalam  in 2000, remains a high -performing agreement that brings WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  substantial and enduring benefits to both our economies. Since its entry into force in 2004, bilateral 
goods and services trade has more than doubled to US D 106 billion in 2021.  
4.134.   Singapore and the U .S. have also expanded collaboration to cover emerging areas such as 
digital trade, mutual recog nition of digital standards, and alignment of AI  governance frameworks. 
Singapore is working with the U .S. through the Global Cross -Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum to 
strengthen/develop a rules -based framework in enabling trusted cross -border data flows.  We also 
collaborate closely in cybersecurity, which is another key enabler to grow the digital economy 
ecosystem.  
4.135.   Singapore welcomes the U nited States'  leadership role in the global energy transition, 
through initiatives such as the Net Zero World Initiat ive, and we are working with the U .S. 
Department of Energy on a Feasibility Study on Regional Energy Connectivity in Southeast Asia. This 
project seeks to establish the technical and commercial feasibility of energy connections in the region 
and accelerate  the development of cross -border electricity trade. Singapore looks forward to further 
collaboration in projects that support the development of new clean energy supply chains and meet 
global energy.  
4.136.   Third, Singapore will continue to work with the U .S. to strengthen the WTO. At an event 
hosted by the Graduate Institute on WTO in October  2021, USTR Katherine  Tai said that the 
Biden -Harris administration "recogni zes the importance of the WTO " and "want it to succeed ". The 
United States'  leadership in the WTO is crucial and Singapore looks forward to working closely with 
the U .S. to strengthen the WTO and the rules -based multilateral trading system. A cornerstone of 
the multilateral trading system is a "fully and well -functioning dispute settlement mechanism ". For 
small countries, which comprise the vast majority of the WTO 's Membership, a well -functioning, 
two-tier dispute settlement mechanism is of utmost importance.  
4.137.   In this connection, Singapore will continue to play an active role in the informal 
"interest -based " discussions on dispute settlement reforms that has been initiated by the 
United States. We look forward to meaningful discussions that will pave the way to fulfil the MC12 
commitment of having a fully -functioning Dispute Settlement Mechanism by 2024.  
4.138.   In closing and on behalf of Ambassador Tan  Hung  Seng, my delegation would like to 
acknowledge the valuable contributions of Ambassador María  Pagán and her capable team in 
Geneva. We wish U .S. a successful 15th Trade Policy Review.  
EUROPE AN UNION  
4.139.   On behalf of the European  Union, I would like first to welcome the delegation of the 
United  States, led by Ambassador Pag án, and thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of 
the United  States for their respective Reports.  
4.140.   The European  Union an d the United  States have the largest bilateral trade and investment 
relationship and enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world. The E uropean  Union 
and U nited States trade about EUR 1.2 trillion worth of goods and services each year. Toge ther, the 
European  Union-United States trade represent 18% of the world trade in goods and services. It is 
an artery of world trade and creates jobs and growth on both sides of the Atlantic. It is something 
we need to treasure, nurture, and develop where w e can.  
4.141.   I am pleased that following some complicated years, the E uropean  Union and the 
United States have been able to improve our trade relations. We found temporary solutions for major 
trade disputes and have started to build a positive bilateral agenda, notably through the Trade and 
Technology Council (TTC).  
4.142.   This partnership has become even closer following the Russian  Federation's  aggression 
against Ukraine, which sees the E uropean  Union and the U nited States, along with many other WTO 
Members, allied in  our unwavering support to Ukraine.  
4.143.   The U .S. has had a defining role in shaping the global trading system since the early days 
of the GATT and in developing the rules that underpin international economic relations today. This 
has helped drive much of the enormous growth and increases in prosperity across the world over WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  the last decades to the benefit of all WTO Members including the E uropean  Union and without a 
doubt the U nited States itself.  
4.144.   The actions of the United  States matter, and its trade policy decisions deeply affect its 
trading partners, particularly those where strong trade and investment ties imply a particular degree 
of economic integration, such as with the E uropean  Union. 
4.145.   Despite of the success of MC12, the multilateral trading system embodied by the WTO 
continues to need serious reform across its three core functions – negotiation, monitoring and 
deliberation, and dispute settlement – to ensure that it is up to the challenges of the XXI  century. 
The E uropean  Union counts  on the full commitment of the United  States to revitali ze the multilateral 
trading system. We must maintain the positive momentum and ensure that MC13 keeps WTO reform 
on the right track.  
4.146.   The E uropean  Union believes that moderni zing the WTO is the best gu ardrail against 
fragmentation, and the most direct way for us all to benefit from global trade.  
4.147.   We take note from the Government Report that the U .S. "supports a WTO reform agenda 
that reflects the priorities of a worker -centred approach one that protects  our planet, supports 
improved labour conditions and living standards, and contributes to shared prosperity ". We welcome 
these intentions, and we invite the U .S. and all Members to pursue these objectives together and 
not separately or at the detriment of other Members. As a key player in the global trading system, 
we expect the U .S. to be ready to invest political capital in reforming the WTO in a manner that 
reinforces the multilateral rules -based trading system.  
4.148.   We also take note that the U .S. considers  that the WTO dispute settlement has not met the 
needs of WTO Members. The European  Union will not engage in this forum on a debate relating to 
WTO dispute settlement reform but it is clear that a functioning and effective dispute settlement 
system is crit ical for the credibility of the WTO as a rules -based institution. For the E uropean  Union, 
WTO dispute settlement reform is therefore a matter of priority. We treat very seriously the 
commitment, made at MC12, on having a fully and well -functioning system b y 2024. In order to 
achieve this objective, clarity is needed as soon as possible on the types of reforms that the U .S. is 
seeking. The E uropean  Union will engage with any reform effort as long as it respects the core 
features of the Dispute Settlement Sys tem. This includes the right to appeal review before a standing 
adjudicative body. We hope and expect the U .S. will be fully invested in this effort.  
4.149.   Despite the shared objectives that I have just mentioned, we continue to have serious 
concerns about the i mpact of some U .S. policies on trade: there continue to be strong inward -looking 
tendencies in U .S. trade policy, favouring domestic sectoral interests.  
4.150.   The E uropean  Union, along with other WTO Members are for example very concerned about 
the recent adopt ion of the Inflation Reduction Act.  
4.151.   While we welcome the adoption of the Act as a major step in the U nited States'  fight against 
climate change, we have serious concerns with some of its provisions.  
4.152.   Many of the generous subsidies provided for in the Act t ilt the playing field in favour of the 
U.S. producers in key technology sectors including, but not limited to, the automotive sector. Certain 
elements of the legislation - such as those subsidies dependent on the use of domestic goods and 
domestic production – are discriminatory and need to reconci le with U nited States'  WTO obligations. 
The Act risks being detrimental to the economic interests and industrial competitiveness of the 
European  Union and of other WTO Members, and risk making the green transition more costly, for 
tax payers and consumers.  I hope that the U .S. delegation will remain ready to engage in a frank 
and open discussion on this issue and the impact that this legislation has on the rest of the world.  
4.153.   In this regard allow me to highlight a couple of the key written questions the E uropean Union 
has submitted to the United  States.  
4.154.   On the IRA, how will the United  States ensure that the legislation is implemented or modified 
in a way to ensure it remains in compliance with its obligations under the WTO  Agreement s, and WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  advances the green transition in the U .S. without distorting the international level playing field for 
its trading partners?  
4.155.   As regards U .S. government procurement, we remain concerned about the limitations 
introduced through the "Buy American" legislation. Indeed, by imposi ng local content requirements 
to U.S. government procurement contracts, the "Buy American" rules close the U .S. procurement 
market to certain E uropean  Union exports.  
4.156.   On agricultural support, there has been a steep increase in product specific trade distor ting 
support since 2018/19 for key commodities (notably maize and soybeans) which has pushed the 
overall total U .S. Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) very quickly close to its AMS limits. Given the 
trade-distorting nature of this support and the negativ e effect on international markets, we are 
looking for reassurances that this trend is not going to continue.  
4.157.   So, to conclude, at this moment, it is more important than ever for U .S. to conduct a trade 
policy and work together with its partners in the WTO, notably on the issue of WTO reform in the 
spirit of the WTO rules.  
4.158.   The European  Union looks forward to continuing to work with the United  States in a sense 
of shared responsibility to strengthen the multilateral trading system.  
4.159.   On behalf of the E uropean  Union, I wish the United  States a productive 15th Trade Policy 
Review.  
JAPAN  
4.160.   Japan welcomes the distinguished delegation of the United  States, headed by Ambassador 
María  Pagán. Japan also expresses its appreciation to the Government of the United  States and to 
the WTO Secretariat for their respective Reports produced for this review, as well as to the 
discussant, H.E.  Cheryl  Spencer, Ambassador of Jamaica for her insightful illustrations.  
4.161.   First and foremost, Japan acknowledges the significant role of the Uni ted States in 
international free trade with the largest GDP and volume in import in the world. We appreciate the 
contribution made by the U .S. to the expansion of global trade and investment over many years.  
4.162.   At a time of geopolitical difficulties, including unlawful aggression to Ukraine by 
the Russia n Federation , the role of the multilateral trade organization has rather become more 
important.  We should address current trade -related issues by reforming the WTO and improving its 
functioning, a sentiment that was echoed at the G20 Bali Summit Declaration and the APEC 
Ministerial Meeting both in November this year. Japan expects the U .S. to be at the centre and 
indispensable in these WTO undertakings.  
4.163.   On WTO  reform, we would like to enhance our collaboration in efforts to improve its 
functioning, including promoting individual efforts to improve transparency as well as expanding the 
participation of external stakeholders.  
4.164.   With that in mind, Japan welcomes the U nited States-led process and active engagement in 
dispute settlement reform, which is the most important element of WTO reform. Japan would also 
like to cooperate with the U .S. towards the e arly launch of a formal process to restart a full and 
well-functioning Dispute Settlement System by 2024 that is accessible to all Members.  
4.165.   We thank the United  States for its active contribution to WTO negotiations and discussions 
in the frontier fields, i ncluding the JSI on e-commerce and discussions on trade and environment. 
Japan looks forward to continuing to cooperate with the U .S. in these new rule -making efforts.  
4.166.   Taking this opportunity, I would like to touch upon several specific issues on U .S. trade 
policies.  
4.167.   First, the Inflation Reduction Act. Concerning the tax incentives for electric vehicles, Japan 
believes that expanding the EV market, while providing consumers with a variety of choices with 
fair, and domestic and international non -discriminato ry incentives, will contribute to reducing CO2 WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  emissions in the U .S. and across the world. This would work much more effectively than an approach 
applying strictly limiting preferential treatment.  
4.168.   As we see the implications for industries and consistency issues with the WTO  Agreement s 
in the IRA, Japan has submitted public comments on the guidance on the IRA and conducted an 
exchange of views with other trade partner governments, including at leaders' level. We request 
that our interests presented in the c omments are fully taken into account.  
4.169.   In 2018, the United  States, citing security threats, invoked measures under Section  232 of 
the Trade Expansion Act  of 1962 to impose additional tariffs on steel and aluminium products 
imported from Japan and other cou ntries.  
4.170.   The additional tariff measures need to be implemented in a manner to be consistent with 
WTO rules. We recognize that in February this year, the U .S. announced the partial elimination of 
additional tariffs on steel products imported from Japan and the complete elimination of the tariffs 
on derivative products. However, in pursuit of a complete solution in a way that is consistent with 
the WTO  Agreement s, Japan will continue discussions with the U .S. on this issue.  
4.171.   The import ban based on the Uyghur  Forced Labour Prevention Law came into effect in June 
this year. This resulted in prohibiting imports to the U .S. of goods and materials produced wholly or 
partly in the Xinjiang  Uyghur Autonomous Region.  
4.172.   Japan is seriously concerned about the human rights situation in the region and is 
cooperating with the international community for its universal value. In enforcing this law, we expect 
the U .S. to work further in closer communications with the private sector, in light of ensuring that 
predictability is firmly in place and avoiding an excessive burden on the sector.  
4.173.   In addition to these, I would like to address some other issues, which we have b een 
discussing with the United  States for some time.  
4.174.   With regard to market entry regulations under the Jones Act of 1920, although the U .S. 
provided explanations from the perspective of national security at their last TPR to a certain extent, 
Japan will c ontinue to seek further explanations from them, in terms of how the Act contributes to 
national security, and their consideration of and planning for expanding the exemptions and limiting 
them to what is truly necessary for security.  
4.175.   With regard to anti -dumping measures on Japanese products, we reiterate our request to 
the U .S. to make a determination when conducting a sunset review, not simply assuming the 
likelihood of dumping or recurrence of injury, but exhausting careful examination of its existence . 
4.176.   Finally, concerning the Byrd Amendment, we request the U .S. to implement the DSB 
recommendations fully and to operationalize the policies consistent with the WTO  Agreement   
4.177.   In closing, the United  States has been a flag -bearer of free trade and has contribu ted to the 
maintenance and strengthening of the multilateral trading system for many years. Moving forward, 
Japan, in cooperation with the U .S., is determined to tackle all issues for this global cause.  
4.178.   We wish the delegation of the United  States a succes sful Trade Policy Review.  
CHILE  
4.179.   Chile quisiera brindar un caluroso saludo a la delegación de Estados  Unidos, encabezada por 
Su Excelencia, Embajadora María  Pagán, con quien esperamos seguir contribuyendo al 
fortalecimiento del sistema multilateral de comer cio, así como a todo el equipo de su Misión 
Permanente. También felicitamos a la Embajadora Cheryl  Spencer de Jamaica, por su destacada 
labor como ponente.  
4.180.   Chile recibe con especial interés la realización del d écimo quinto examen de política 
comercial de Estados  Unidos. Resultaría difícil comprender la realidad del comercio global sin 
considerar el importante rol que desempeña, siendo un motor del crecimiento económico mundial.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.181.   Nuestros países mantienen un diálogo político y comercial fluido, franco y cons tructivo, que 
abarca todos los ámbitos de la relación bilateral, regional y global. Estados  Unidos son un tradicional 
socio comercial de Chile, habiéndose consolidado como el primer mercado para las exportaciones 
chilenas de servicios y bienes, excluido el  cobre.  
4.182.   Nuestra relación económico -comercial se estructura sobre la base del Tratado de Libre 
Comercio (TLC) vigente desde el 1  de enero  de 2004, el cual comprende una amplia cobertura que 
incluye disciplinas como el comercio de bienes, servicios y la prot ección de las inversiones. El proceso 
de desgravación arancelaria para bienes culminó el 1  de enero  de 2015, por lo que el 100% del 
comercio entre ambos países está hoy libre de arancel.  
4.183.   Adicionalmente, es preciso destacar que el 1  de enero del presente año, el Acuerdo cumplió 
18 años desde su entrada en vigor, alcanzando un intercambio comercial a un promedio anual de 
10,6%. De este modo, el Tratado de Libre Comercio entre Chile y Estados  Unidos se ha transformado 
en una pieza fundamental de la relación bilateral, y su implementación y administración ha 
consolidado a Estados  Unidos como uno de los principales socios comerciales de Chile . En materia 
de inversión extranjera, Estados  Unidos es también uno de los mayores inversionistas en Chile, 
concentrándose principalmente en el área de servicios tecnológicos, seguros, banca, energía, 
industria y transporte.  
4.184.   Esta positiva relación no sólo se expresa a nivel bilateral, sino que también a nivel 
multilateral, donde participamos conjuntamente en distin tos foros internacionales de carácter 
comercial, por ejemplo, el Foro de Cooperación Económica Asia -Pacífico (APEC) y la Organización 
para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico (OCDE).  
4.185.   En el marco de la OMC, Estados  Unidos es un actor relevante y activo , tanto a nivel de 
implementación de los Acuerdos de la OMC , como es el caso del Acuerdo de Facilitación al Comercio , 
como en materia de negociaciones. Actualmente, participamos conjuntamente en diferentes 
Iniciativas Relativas a Declaraciones Conjuntas (J SIs), tales como Comercio Electrónico, y 
Reglamentación Nacional en la Esfera de los Servicios, así como en los Debates Estructurados sobre 
el Comercio y la Sostenibilidad Ambiental (TESSD).  
4.186.   Nuestros países coinciden en la importancia del sistema multilat eral de comercio, abierto, 
transparente, inclusivo, no discriminatorio y basado en normas claras. La OMC está llamada a jugar 
un rol central en dicho sistema, y para eso debe ser eficiente y efectiva.  
4.187.   El proceso de reforma, iniciado de manera formal a par tir de la CM12, debe apuntar a 
fortalecer esta Organización. Esperamos poder trabajar con Estados  Unidos en el fortalecimiento del 
sistema multilateral de comercio y en una OMC que sea más efectiva en dar solución a los actuales 
desafíos.  
4.188.   Al mismo tiempo, reafirmamos la importancia de superar el impasse del Órgano de 
Apelación, y esperamos que la apertura de los Estados  Unidos a entablar discusiones informales -en 
las que Chile participa constructivamente -, logren llegar prontamente a buen puerto y así tene r un 
Sistema de Solución de Diferencias operativo y accesible para todos los Miembros a la brevedad 
posible.  
4.189.   El presente examen de política comercial ha dado cuenta de la comprehensiva reacción de 
Estados  Unidos en el marco de la pandemia de COVID -19, med iante diversas medidas de apoyo, que 
se complementan con los avances realizados en torno a una pol ítica comercial centrada en los 
trabajadores. Estas comprenden la promoción de sus capacidades y la defensa de los derechos 
laborales, así como esfuerzos orie ntados a la descarbonización y promoción de prácticas ambientales 
sostenibles. Destacamos aquí el interés compartido entre nuestros países por avanzar en la 
protección del medio ambiente, tal como lo subrayaron nuestras delegaciones en las reuniones 
relativas al Capítulo Ambiental del TLC Chile -Estados  Unidos, celebradas en agosto del presente año.  
4.190.   En otro ámbito, vemos con interés el desarrollo de su comercio electrónico, que ha alcanzado 
el 12,5% de su comercio de mercancías físicas; las estrategias aplic adas para regular los servicios 
digitales en sectores específicos; y su apoyo a la transformación digital.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.191.   Adicionalmente, quisiéramos destacar los esfuerzos expresados en el examen de 
Estados  Unidos, por promover una política comercial equitativa, inclus iva y duradera, que integre a 
los actores más subrepresentados. En esa línea, aprovechamos esta oportunidad para expresarles 
nuestras felicitaciones, en su calidad de sede para el próximo año APEC, y por la elección del tema 
que orientará los trabajos; est e es: "Crear un futuro resiliente y sostenible para todos y todas ", 
siendo las prioridades la interconexión, innovación e inclusividad. Les deseamos éxito en este 
importante desafío.  
4.192.   Para este ejercicio de examen de política comercial, Chile ha formulado 2 3 preguntas, en 
áreas como: normas de origen, servicios, energías renovables, pequeñas empresas, promoción de 
las exportaciones, entre otros. Agradecemos profundamente las respuestas a dichas consultas. Por 
último, deseamos a Estados  Unidos un exitoso examen de política comercial.  
URUGUAY  
4.193.   Uruguay desea brindar la más cordial bienvenida a la delegación de Estados  Unidos de 
América, encabezada por la Embajadora María  Luisa Pagán , en oportunidad del d écimo quinto 
examen de sus políticas comerciales , a quien agradecemos por su presentación  con más de un 
mensaje para tener en cuenta . Asimismo, agradecemos a la Secretaría por su completo informe y a 
la Embajadora Cheryl  Spencer , por su demostrativa interpretación del análisis realizado.  
4.194.   Estados  Unidos siempre ha sido un socio clave de Uruguay, tanto en lo que respecta al 
comercio de mercancías, comercio de servicios, la captación de inversiones y en temas tales como 
facilitación del comercio, entre otros. Esto se refleja en el estrecho trabajo común des arrollado en 
el ámbito del Consejo del Acuerdo Marco de Comercio e Inversiones (TIFA), y en el recientemente 
creado Diálogo Interministerial binacional, así como en la contribución y disposición de Uruguay para 
el avance de la Alianza para la Prosperidad E conómica (APEP).  
4.195.   Estados  Unidos es el cuarto mercado de nuestras exportaciones de mercancías al mundo y 
nuestro tercer proveedor, con un significativo comercio bilateral que ascendió a USD  2.570  millones  
en lo transcurrido del 2022. Entre los principales p roductos de exportación se encuentran  la carne 
bovina y sus productos derivados, madera y celulosa, y concentrados de bebidas.  
4.196.   Asimismo, es el principal mercado para las exportaciones de servicios globales nacionales, 
destacándose sobre otros destinos con  un peso relativo aproximado del 70% de las ventas al 
exterior, siendo este capítulo de gran relevancia para los sectores exportadores nacionales de 
servicios globales, tecnologías de la información y audiovisuales. En 2021 las ventas significaron un 
74% e n el caso de los servicios de tecnologías de información, 69% en relación a servicios 
corporativos y se multiplicaron para los productos audiovisuales con un récord de USD  60 millones 
(equivalente también al 71% de las exportaciones). En lo que refiere a t ecnologías de la información 
y comunicación, más del 50% de las empresas nacionales tienen a Estados  Unidos como destino de 
exportación.  
4.197.   Cabe destacar también la importancia de las inversiones americanas en el país, ocupando el 
sexto lugar en lo que respec ta al origen de la IED en Uruguay. Actualmente se encuentran en el país 
aproximadamente 230  empresas de capitales americanos, entre ellas grandes grupos 
internacionales de la industria de las TIC, como por ejemplo IBM, Microsoft, Cognizant, New  Context, 
NetSuite, VeriFone y Google, así como Pepsico en el área de alimentos.  
4.198.   Todas estas cifras demuestran la importancia estratégica y potencial que presenta nuestro 
vínculo económico -comercial. En este sentido y atendiendo a la fuerte asociación que existe a nivel 
comercial, en particular en servicios, es que destacamos la importancia de continuar fortaleciendo 
el trabajo conjunto en áreas claves como las tecnologías de la información, biotecnología, energías 
renovables.  
4.199.   A nivel multilateral, ambos coincidimos  en que la OMC juega una función central en el 
sistema multilateral de comercio basado en normas. Esto nos brinda un escenario de certidumbre 
necesario para asegurar que los Acuerdos de esta casa sigan siendo relevantes y a la altura de las 
circunstancias que nos imponen los desafíos globales.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.200.   Trabajamos juntos en la implementación de los compromisos asumidos en la C M12, el 
"Paquete de Ginebra ", especialmente en la implementación del acuerdo para impedir los subsidios a 
la pesca ilegal, no declarada y no re glamentada, así como en todos los temas relativos a lucha contra 
la pandemia del coronavirus COVID -19. 
4.201.   Con respecto al proceso de reforma de la OMC, confiamos en la buena fe y predisposición 
para que el pilar sobre el Sistema de Solución de Diferencias y e n especial la designación de árbitros 
del Órgano de Apelaciones sea resuelto, a más tardar en 2024, de acuerdo al mandato del párrafo  4 
del Documento Final de la Conferencia Ministerial.  
4.202.   En otro orden, felicitamos a Estados  Unidos por sus iniciativas tendi entes a mejorar las 
condiciones de las exportaciones para las pequeñas y medianas empresas, en especial aquellas 
lideradas por mujeres, de propiedad de minorías e indígenas y comunidades desatendidas. La OMC 
es una organización multilateral y las mipymes s on un asunto global. Necesitamos la voz y los 
aportes de Estados  Unidos dentro del Grupo Informal sobre este tema, para mejorar el desarrollo 
de masa crítica y de buenas prácticas. Esperamos contar con ustedes en la causa de las mipymes 
en la OMC; a los ef ectos de ayudarlas a comerciar, contribuir al desarrollo económico y brindar 
nuevas oportunidades y conexiones a las empresas de todas las economías.  
4.203.   Finalmente, me gustaría reconocer y agradecer el intenso trabajo que lleva adelante la 
Embajadora  María  Luisa Pagán y a todo su equipo, a la hora de coordinar posiciones y siempre 
mantener un enfoque constructivo en los diferentes Órganos de esta casa.  
4.204.   Nuestros mejores deseos para un exitoso examen de política comercial.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.205.   I would lik e to welcome the delegation of the U nited States  and thank the discussant, 
Ambassador Cheryl  Spencer (Jamaica), for her thoughtful remarks. We hope that today 's discussion 
will contribute significantly to the transparency of the U.S. trade regime.  
4.206.   For the last few years, the U.S. delegation extensively criticized other WTO Members for not 
providing answers to advance written questions. It is more than surprising that now the U.S. 
delegation itself left a large number of questions unanswered, significantly d evaluing its own TPR. 
Rules of procedure of this Body do not allow for that, no matter the reason the delegation under 
review may choose to invent. We find this demonstration by the U.S. of double standards and the 
policy of selective compliance with the W TO rules rather unfortunate.  
4.207.   Earlier this week Washington announced its refusal to implement the decisions of the Panel 
in the "steel and aluminium " disputes, which established numerous infringements of fundamental 
WTO obligations. Today the U.S. exercises  arbitrariness in its own TPR, deciding which questions are 
to be answered or even reflected in its questions and replies, and which "uncomfortable " ones should 
better remain concealed. The Russia n Federation  has timely submitted around 400  written questio ns 
regarding different aspects of the U.S. trade policy – none of them are even reflected in the room 
document circulated by the Secretariat. My delegation strongly requests that all our questions are 
made available in the room document to the participants  of this TPR before its conclusion.  
4.208.   Now back to my main points and I start with two quotes.  
4.209.   "The U.S. has shaped the global trading system decisively since the early days of the GATT, 
leading multilateral liberalization by example and helping to develop th e sophisticated rules that 
underwrite international economic relations today. But in suggesting that trade wars can have 
winners, the U.S. is putting these achievements at risk ". 
4.210.   "Today, the repercussions of protectionist rhetoric of the U.S., including th e use of tariffs 
and other restrictions, are being felt at the heart of this Organization, and more generally in global 
growth prospects ". 
4.211.   These were quotes from the statement by the E uropean  Union at the previous TPR of the 
United States four years ago. T he European  Union warned us about the negative repercussions of 
the U nited States'  aggressive protectionist policy for the global economy and international trade. WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  Unfortunately, we can confirm that the E uropean  Union's warning was proven to be right. The 
United States'  trade policy has continuously spiralled into a vicious cycle of protectionism with 
blatant disregard for the WTO rules.  
4.212.   Some of the Russia n Federation' s key concerns, expressed in the written questions, include 
the following:  
4.213.   Focus of the U.S. trade policy on sanctions instead of conventional instruments. Currently 
the U.S. implements sanctions against 20  countries or territories, most of them are WTO Members. 
Unilateral sanctions against the Russia n Federation  were adopted in grave violati on of international 
law. Namely, the U.S. has:  
• blatantly infringed property rights, having frozen the assets of Russian persons and 
companies;  
• destabilized the ordinary course of trade via limitations on access to currency and 
accompanying bans;  
• deprived t he industries, which had commercial ties with their clients in the U nited States , of 
their rights to exercise foreign trade by banning imports and exports of certain products;  
• damaged trade infrastructure by introducing financial and logistical restraints;  
• revoked the Russia n Federation' s MFN trade status and increased tariff rates to 35% on 
more than 570 groups of Russian products worth approximately USD  2.3 billion;  
• qualified the Russia n Federation  as a non -market economy. This decision was obviously 
politically motivated and based on an astonishing misrepresentation and misinterpretation 
of facts.  
4.214.   Aggressive trade policy of the U.S. should be regarded as a threat by countries that consider 
themselves its allies. The U.S. sanctions ' pressure has led to tur moil in energy and food markets 
and has seriously impaired access to these vital goods for dozens of countries and their consumers, 
including businesses and citizens. The only beneficiaries were and still are American corporations, 
whose rate of return, th anks to the sanctions, increased astronomically.  
4.215.   The proposed Clean Competition Act, imposing carbon border adjustment on energy 
intensive imports, represents a continuation of the newest history of the U.S. protectionism. The 
Russian  Federation  joins conc erns of other Members regarding this prospective legislation, which, if 
adopted, would affect the conditions of competition between imported and domestic products in the 
U.S. 
4.216.   We reiterate our concern over the punitive Section  301 tariffs on Chinese product s that 
largely remain in place.  
4.217.   On agricultural support, we are seeking clarifications and reassurances regarding the 
allocation of USD  800 billion under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to drive climate -smart 
agriculture and renewable energy initiatives.  
4.218.   Introduction of the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act 2022, which would result in artificial 
protection of the U nited States'  domestic semiconductor industry and China 's economic decoupling 
in the sphere of semiconductor manufacturing, also raises questions.  
4.219.   The Russia n Federation  is concerned about further expansion of investment screening 
procedures and the respective extension of the powers of the Committee on Foreign Investment in 
the United  States and seeks clarifications in this regard.  
4.220.   Ban on  foreign information and communications technologies and services under the pretext 
of protecting critical infrastructure from undue risks of sabotage is another area of concern.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.221.   Finally, the Russia n Federation  would also like to seek clarifications from t he U.S. on the 
sectoral arrangement on steel and aluminium trade.  
4.222.   To conclude, I join other Members in wishing the U.S. a successful Trade Policy Review. And, 
of course, I will be glad if intentions to make the U nited States  great again in the WTO will be carried 
out in accordance with the rules of this Organization and in cooperation with the other Members, 
rather than at their expense or at the expense of the entire multilateral trading system.  
REPUBLIC OF KOREA  
4.223.   I would like to extend a warm welcome to Am bassador Pag án and the delegation of the 
United  States for its 15th Trade Policy Review.  
4.224.   For me, this is my first official engagement in Geneva and I look forward to having a close 
working relationship with the delegations here. My special thanks also go t o Ambassador 
Cheryl  K. Spencer (Jamaica) for her contribution as the discussant today and to the Secretariat for 
its comprehensive and informative Report.  
4.225.   Allow me to start with the remarks on the bilateral relations between the Republic of Korea 
and the U .S. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the KORUS  FTA. Bilateral trade led by the 
KORUS  FTA have increased by 67.8% since 2012 and this number is particularly eye -catching to see 
that the trade of our two countries with other world has grown by a relatively mere 22.8%.  
4.226.   It is especially noteworthy that while the world trade shrank by 4% over last two years hit 
hard by the pandemic, our bilateral trade has maintained an upward trend by a whopping 25%. 
I believe that this well demonstrates the robust economic relationship we have with the 
United  States.  
4.227.   In terms of investment, we have been investing in the U .S. three times more than we had 
done before the KORUS  FTA and for the U nited States, two times more vice  versa. These 
developments, while getting  the supply chains of our two countries closer in a mutually 
supplementary manner, are contributing to creating jobs and sharpening the industrial 
competitiveness in both economies.  
4.228.   Based on this solid trade relationship, the Republic of Korea and the U nited States  are 
expanding the scope of cooperation to include areas such as supply chain management, new 
technology, digital trade and climate changes.  
4.229.   It is particularly positive that we are cooperating in various and complementary 
configurations including  bilateral, plurilateral, and multilateral fora to further strengthen our bilateral 
relationship and at the same to better cope with global challenges.  
4.230.   The Republic of Korea appreciates the efforts of the U .S. to keep its external openness even 
during the  pandemic period and we believe that this came out of the sense of responsibility as one 
of the largest shareholders in global trade. We believe that such efforts by the U nited States, strongly 
backed by many other Members of the WTO, have been instrumenta l in minimizing the setback in 
free trade.  
4.231.   The Republic of Korea also appreciates the policy efforts of the U .S. to deal with the common 
challenges we are facing in the aftermath of the pandemic, climate change and the inflationary 
pressure. The Republic o f Korea views that the recently announced "Inflation Reduction Act ", is an 
important step forward to further accelerate the carbon reduction and curb inflation in both the U .S. 
and the global community and in this respect, we are generally in support of th e purpose and 
direction of the legislative effort.  
4.232.   However, the Republic of Korea has a concern associated with this legislation and we believe 
that this comes from the status U .S. assumes in global economy. The U .S. economic and trade policy 
is meant to have considerable impacts on global trade and investment and as a close economic 
partner, the Republic of Korea is to be affected all the more accordingly.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.233.   Particularly, the Republic of Korea would like to note that certain features of the IRA, despite 
the overall positiveness we observe, are creating undue burden on a specific green industry of key 
members including the Republic of Korea and at the same time on our bilateral economic 
relationship. The Republic of Korea  urges the United  States to continue sincere efforts together to 
work out a mutually satisfactory solutions through bilateral consultations.  
4.234.   Next, the Republic of Korea strongly believes that regaining our confidence and credibility 
on the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core,  is key to ensuring the sustainable growth 
of the global economy. In this respect, the Republic of Korea notes with satisfaction that our two 
countries prioritize the WTO reform in our trade policies and the U .S. has been constructively 
engaging in the dis cussions to reform the three key functions of the WTO.  
4.235.   The Republic of Korea is of the view that priority areas for this reform discussion are  (1) how 
the WTO can better function at the nexus between the trade and key megatrends such as climate 
change, dig italization and the increasing importance of supply chain management, (2) how to 
accelerate and see tangible outcome in the discussion to restore the dispute settlement function.  
4.236.   Given the role of the U .S. in dealing with these big and important issues, the Republic of 
Korea expects that the U .S. will show its able leadership in close consultations with other Members.  
4.237.   As a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system, the Republic of Korea will close ly 
cooperate with other members including the U .S. to reinforce the rules -based and market -oriented 
international trade order.  
4.238.   The Republic of Korea looks forward to keeping close cooperation with the U .S. in dealing 
with our bilateral and global issues. W e appreciate the responses from the U .S. to our written 
questions and we will closely review them. I would like to conclude by expressing my sincere 
appreciation to the U.S. delegation for its hard work and wishing the delegation every success in its 
TPR. 
COLOMBIA  
4.239.   Colombia valora ampliamente su alianza histórica y estratégica con Estados  Unidos, que 
cubre aspectos tan diversos como el fortalecimiento de la democracia, la consolidación de la paz, la 
lucha contra el narcotráfico y el terrorismo, y por supuest o, la promoción del comercio bilateral, para 
lo que contamos con un tratado de libre comercio que ya cumplió 10  años en aplicación.  
4.240.   Para este examen de política comercial, Colombia se alegra al constatar que la economía 
estadounidense registra crecimiento , y que la tasa de desempleo se encuentra en mínimos 
históricos. El crecimiento de  Estados  Unidos es siempre una buena noticia para los exportadores y 
productores de todo el mundo. En particular, resaltamos su creciente fortaleza en materia de 
servicios, a sí como en exportaciones de contenido tecnológico protegidas por la propiedad 
intelectual.  
4.241.   Ahora bien, por otro lado, inquieta el aumento significativo y sin pausa de las tasas de interés 
de Estados  Unidos, con los efectos inmediatos que esto tiene en la tasa de cambio de los demás 
países, en los flujos de inversión directa y de portafolio, y en las presiones inflacionarias que esto 
acarrea en todos los demás países.  
4.242.   Sin desconocer que los flujos de comercio con nuestro primer socio se ven directamente 
afectados por sus políticas monetarias y macroeconómicas, hoy, acá, nos centraremos sin embargo 
en las políticas estrictamente comerciales.  
4.243.   Al respecto de políticas comerciales, queremos hacer énfasis en tres aspectos, sobre los 
cuales hemos presentado pregu ntas con anticipación y de nuevo  agradecemos las respuestas. En 
primer lugar, la facilitación del comercio. En segundo lugar, el creciente uso de remedios comerciales 
no tradicionales. En tercer lugar, los niveles de subvenciones sin precedentes que exhibe  
Estados  Unidos. Al final concluiremos con una serie de observaciones sobre el futuro del sistema 
multilateral de comercio y el rol de su principal motor, Estados  Unidos.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.244.   Primero, entonces, sobre facilitación del comercio. Colombia felicita a Estados  Unidos por 
sus avances en la materia, por ser un modelo en medidas de facilitación y por ser un Miembro muy 
activo en el Comité de Facilitación del Comercio y en la implementación del Acuerdo. Colombia valora 
la asistencia recibida y espera que los  esfuerzos colaborativos se mantengan y fortalezcan en el 
futuro, así como las discusiones de interoperabilidad y reconocimiento entre sistemas aduaneros y 
de facilitación.  
4.245.   Segundo, observamos con preocupación la asidua aplicación de medidas de defensa 
comercial no tradicionales y de crecientes restricciones a las importaciones y a las exportaciones en 
múltiples sectores. Los remedios tradicionales son muy utilizados por Estados  Unidos, lo cual es 
desde nuestra perspectiva valido e incluso deseable. Hay sin  embargo un creciente y ya recurrente 
uso de remedios no tradicionales, basados en disposiciones internas y no multilaterales como las 
secciones  232 y 301, además de nuevas propuestas de remedio o ajuste ambiental y laboral.  
4.246.   Las medidas derivadas de la sección 232 en materia de acero y aluminio y aquellas que se 
aplican en el sector de automóviles y autopartes, han tenido un impacto importante en las 
exportaciones de Colombia hacia ese mercado, afectando las iniciativas de diversificación de las 
exportacio nes colombianas, al ser estos unos de los sectores más dinámicos y de importancia dentro 
de la industria colombiana. En general, parece haber una creciente disposición de nuestro socio 
comercial hacia el uso de medidas de defensa comercial no ortodoxas, y que tienen consecuencias 
altamente perjudiciales para jugadores pequeños y medianos que poco tienen que ver con los 
objetivos de política que persiguen estos remedios. Colombia, además de manifestar su inquietud 
sobre el uso creciente de remedios distintos  a los previstos por esta Organización, considera que las 
medidas unilaterales son menos útiles que las multilaterales para lograr objetivos legítimos de 
política pública.  
4.247.   Asociada a esta preocupación, llamamos la atención sobre los criterios para exceptua r a 
ciertos países de estas medidas de restricción. Colombia es un aliado estratégico tanto a nivel de 
seguridad como comercial, de modo que existen cuestionamientos sobre los criterios con los cuales 
Estados  Unidos ha establecido las listas de países no objeto de las medidas de restricción, y cómo 
estos criterios son consistentes con los principios multilaterales de no discriminación y NMF.  
4.248.   En tercer lugar, nos preocupa el crecimiento de los niveles de subven ciones en 
Estados  Unidos en los últimos años. En materia agrícola, desde el 2018, altas sumas han sido 
inyectadas a este sector por Ley Agrícola de Estados  Unidos (Farm Bill), las dos rondas del Programa 
de Asistencia Alimentaria de Coronavirus (CFAP) de l a ley CARES y más recientemente por la Ley 
del Plan de Rescate estadounidense (ARPA), entre otras, son inquietantes a la luz de algunos de los 
más importantes objetivos del Acuerdo de Agricultura de la OMC, en el sentido de minimizar las 
distorsiones en lo s mercados internacionales, prevenir daños a las industrias de otros países y de 
observar cuidadosamente el compromiso máximo para la Medida Global de la Ayuda. Precisamente, 
Colombia observa con preocupación que los subsidios agrícolas en Estados  Unidos y a están 
afectando productos importantes para la economía colombiana como el etanol y el biodiesel.  
4.249.   En materia industrial, los nuevos subsidios de la Ley de Reducción de Inflación (IRA) para 
proyectos de energía y producción más limpia, infraestructura y c ombustibles ambientales fueron 
valorados por la Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso de Estados  Unidos en aproximadamente 
USD 238 billones. Estos cuantiosos incentivos afectan nuestra capacidad de competir y de 
desarrollar un sector industrial sostenible. E n materia de servicios, la carrera por la atracción de 
compañías, en particular del sector de comercio electrónico , por los distintos estados y ciudades de 
Estados  Unidos, ha conllevado a un incremento de los subsidios, lo que pone en desventaja cualquier 
compañía colombiana en dichos sectores.  
4.250.   Las reglas de comercio tienen como uno de sus objetivos asegurar una cancha de juego 
nivelada y promover la competitividad. Un país de ingresos medios y con un espacio fiscal reducido 
como Colombia, no puede ni compe tir ni prosperar bajo estas condiciones desiguales.  
4.251.   En este contexto no podemos dejar de señalar que la crisis ambiental global requiere 
respuestas multilaterales, donde se tienen altas expectativas sobre el liderazgo de las grandes 
economías y de los gra ndes emisores. La respuesta de E stados  Unidos  no puede estar basada en 
medidas unilaterales y orientadas al mercado local, pues esto solo profundizará las brechas.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.252.   Estados  Unidos ha sido tradicionalmente un motor del sistema multilateral de comercio y ha 
tenido un destacado rol de liderazgo en esta Organización. A la luz de los retos y oportunidades que 
enfrentamos hoy en el sistema, animamos a Estados Unidos a redoblar sus esfuerzos para mejorar, 
fortalecer y desbloquear esta Organización. Reiteramos nues tro interés de ver a un E stados  Unidos  
involucrado de manera constructiva en el mejoramiento del sistema multilateral de comercio, que si 
bien no está ajeno de complejidades y problemas, es la mejor base con la que contamos todos como 
bien público global p ara fomentar la cooperación para el crecimiento inclusivo y el bienestar de 
nuestros pueblos. Esta Organización debe contribuir a cimentar el crecimiento, la integración 
económica, el avance tecnológico, la reducción de la pobreza, la protección del medio ambiente y la 
paz, y el rol de los Estados  Unidos son fundamentales al respecto.  
4.253.   Deseamos a la delegación de E stados  Unidos  un exitoso examen de políticas comerciales. 
Colombia está abierta a continuar, profundizar y fortalecer su relación comercial estra tégica y desea 
reconocer los excelentes vínculos de trabajo entre las dos misiones en Ginebra.  
CANADA  
4.254.   I would like to extend a warm welcome to the U .S. delegation and to my colleague 
H.E. Ambassador Mar ía Pagán and to thank H.E. Ambassador  Cheryl  K. Spencer (Jamaica) and the 
Secretariat for the preparatory work for today 's Trade Policy Review.  
4.255.   As we celebrate the  75th anniversary of the GATT, we look back to when 23  countries, 
including Canada and the Unites  States, signed a temporary agreement that would simultaneously 
boost and regulate world trade, and would last for almost 50  years before being succeeded by the 
WTO. Multilateralism has been a cornerstone of foreign policy for both Canada and the United  States 
and, as founding members of the GATT, multilateralism has been the very foundation of our trade 
policy. I preface my remarks with this historical reference to highlight what remains at stake at the 
WTO today: the preservation of the essential tenets of the multilateral trading system. The 
challenges we faced in the post -war context are different to those we face today, but the need for 
trade cooperation in the face of crises and geopolitical tensions remains. The prosperous path ahead 
will require us to continue to champion rules -based approach es, and to work as boldly today as we 
did in 1947, to strengthen the rules -based multilateral trading system.  
4.256.   We would like to acknowledge the critical leadership role that the United  States has 
historically played in the development and maintenance of a rules-based multilateral trading system. 
As we welcome the opportunity provided by this Trade Policy Review to highlight the many significant 
contributions to the WTO made by the United  States, we must also share our general and specific 
concerns regarding  those U.S . trade policies that have affected the functioning of the WTO, and the 
rules-based trading system more broadly, in a negative way.  
4.257.   Given the integrated nature of Canada 's economic relationship with the United  States, we 
are acutely aware that le gislative and policy actions can greatly affect trade between our countries.  
4.258.   As an example, we note that policies and legislation, such as Buy America and elements of 
the Inflation Reduction Act, that favour domestic content and production over those of tr ading 
partners, present both competitiveness challenges and challenges to the multilateral trade system.  
4.259.   Despite occasional irritants, we recognize and welcome the U.S. efforts and engagement 
across various areas of WTO work. Canada applauds the continuou s and proactive participation of 
the United  States in the committee work of the WTO. We recognize the initiative taken by the 
United  States to advance discussions and make them as substantive as possible.  
4.260.   Canada also appreciates the United  States ' continu ed efforts ensure that its transparency 
commitments to WTO Members are fulfilled and for its efforts to improve and enhance the WTO 's 
monitoring function through constructive proposals.  
4.261.   We also recognize the constructive and positive role of the United  States in helping reach 
the outcomes delivered at the 12th Ministerial Conference, particularly the Agreement on Fisheries 
Subsidies. We will continue to work with likeminded partners like the United  States to advance 
flexible approaches to negotiations, inc luding through the Joint Statement Initiatives. The most WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  recent example of the JSI on services domestic regulation reflects an important example for 
plurilateral initiatives going forward.  
4.262.   On dispute settlement, it is important to note that the United  States is the most frequent 
user and has benefit ed significantly from the system. We recognize that the United  States has 
expressed concerns regarding the functioning of the Appellate  Body and note that Members have 
engaged in a number of discussions since 20 19 aimed at addressing these concerns. We welcome 
the U.S. initiation of a process on DS reform last spring and recall our Ministerial commitment to 
have a well and fully -functioning DS system accessible to all by 2024. Reaching this shared objective 
will require continued focused and pragmatic engagement from all Members.  
4.263.   Canada will continue to work with the United  States and other WTO Members to strengthen 
the multilateral rules -based trading system that the United  States has championed for decades, 
while opposing actions that create uncertainty, deter investments and endanger jobs. We call upon 
the United  States to remain engaged in the creation and promotion of improved international trade 
and investment rules that will support growth in the United  States, Canada and around the world.  
4.264.   We appreciate the opportunity for this exchange of views on all aspects of U.S . trade policy. 
We wish the delegation the utmost success during this review process.  
REPÚBLICA  DOMINICANA  
4.265.   La delegación de la República  Dominicana felicita a Estados  Unidos por la presentación del 
examen de sus políticas comerciales. El período bajo análisis es extraordinario en términos de los 
acontecimientos que afectaron la economía global. Precisamente por esa razón es oportu no poder 
discutir detalladamente las políticas comerciales de la economía de Estados  Unidos.  
4.266.   Estados  Unidos, al igual que el resto del mundo, sufrió las consecuencias de la pandemia 
derivada de la COVID -19. Actualmente la economía presenta una recuperación  sólida gracias al 
programa de vacunación y la expansión de las políticas monetaria y fiscal. Pero la recuperación sigue 
produciendo las mayores presiones inflacionarias en cuatro décadas.  
4.267.   Reaccionando ante esa situación, actualmente la política monetaria  se encuentra en fase de 
normalización luego de un largo período con una postura expansiva. En declaraciones recientes, el 
presidente de la Reserva Federal de San Luis James Bullard discute escenarios derivados de calcular 
la Regla de Taylor utilizando dat os para Estados  Unidos. Los resultados indican que la política 
monetaria de los Estados  Unidos todavía se encuentra "detrás de la curva ", incluso usando como 
referencia el escenario más conservador derivado de la Regla de Taylor.  
4.268.   Por lo tanto, las autorid ades de la Reserva Federal probablemente continuarán 
incrementando su tasa de referencia para la política monetaria durante 2023. Entendemos que las 
autoridades de la Reserva Federal implementan las políticas adecuadas: la pérdida de la credibilidad 
en la capacidad de controlar la inflación afectaría la estabilidad macroeconómica, y esa es una 
condición necesaria para poder disfrutar los beneficios derivados del comercio internacional.  
4.269.   Permítanme señalar que las relaciones comerciales y de cooperación entre  la 
República  Dominicana y Estados  Unidos son de gran importancia para nuestro país. Los intercambios 
incluyen las áreas del comercio de bienes, el turismo, las inversiones, y las remesas. En 
Estados  Unidos residen más de 2 millones de dominicanos, o perso nas de origen dominicano. 
Asimismo, estimamos que más de 250,000 ciudadanos estadounidenses residen en la 
República  Dominicana. Las relaciones entre ambos países se fortalecen cada día.  
4.270.   Deseamos que Estados  Unidos concluya exitosamente este examen de sus políticas 
comerciales, y felicitamos a la delegación por su esfuerzo.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.271.   The Philippines warmly welcomes and congratulates the delegation of the United  States led 
by Ambassador María  L. Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and Chief of Mis sion to the WTO 
on their 15th Trade Policy Review. We also thank Ambassador H.E.  Cheryl  K. Spencer of Jamaica for 
her insightful comments as discussant, and the WTO Secretariat for its comprehensive Report.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.272.   We also associate with the ASEAN statement to be delivered by Cambodia recognizing the 
valuable economic partnership between ASEAN member States and the United  States. The ASEAN 
acknowledges the U nited States'  remarkable efforts in effectively responding to the COVID -19 
pandemic, its contributions to the international community in this regard, and its active engagement 
in the multilateral trading system. The U .S. is ASEAN 's second largest trading partner, and t he 
largest source of foreign direct investment. We also recognize the impact of U .S. trade and 
investment policy on the region 's economic development, and we continue to work on promoting 
cooperation between the ASEAN and the U .S. 
4.273.   The Philippines enjoys lo ng-standing  bilateral relations, specifically a strong trade 
relationship, with the U nited States, based on our historical and cultural linkages dating over 
a 100 years. The 1989 bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), serves as a 
valuab le mechanism for the expansion of trade and investment relations between our two countries 
where regular discussions are held to further strengthen our economic partnership. More recently, 
we are also working closely with the U .S. on the Indo -Pacific Econo mic Framework (IPEF) which will 
promote resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness for 
our economies.  
4.274.   In 2021, the U .S. was ranked as the Philippines ' third major trading partner in the world 
with total bilat eral trade amounting to USD  19.6 billion. Among the Philippine top exports to the U .S. 
are semi -conductor devices, storage units, integrated circuits and ignition wiring sets. Further, the 
Philippines has consistently been a top beneficiary of the U .S. Generalized System of Preferences 
(GSP) and a significant source of imports for U .S. manufacturers and consumers. We also look 
forward to the renewal of the same GSP scheme.  
4.275.   As noted in both Reports by the Secretariat and the U nited States, the outbreak of th e 
COVID -19 pandemic adversely affected the U .S. economy, ending its 11  consecutive years of 
positive growth when its real GDP contracted by 3.4% in 2020. We note that the U .S. implemented 
a massive stimulus package focused on addressing the pandemic. The Reports also underscored the 
core policy priorities of the current administration which are centred on equity and inclusivity.  
4.276.   The Philippines further notes that since the last trade policy review in 2018, the focus of the 
U.S. trade policy has deepened tow ards addressing the COVID -19 pandemic and restoring the 
economy, putting workers at the centre, and sustainable practices among others.  
4.277.   As a firm supporter of the multilateral trading system and an active Member of the WTO, the 
United  States has been invo lved and engaged in the negotiations taking place in the WTO, and led 
to results in MC12, such as concluding the fisheries subsidies agreement, and delivering on services 
domestic regulation. We would welcome further results -oriented engagement as we tackl e the 
e-commerce initiative and continue our negotiations in agriculture reform, food security and the 
fisheries subsidies.  
4.278.   We look forward to working with the U .S. specially towards WTO reform agenda, contributing 
to shared prosperity, protection of the environment, and more specifically, restoration of the two -tier 
dispute settlement system by 2024, and enhancement of transparency and improved compliance 
under WTO  Agreement s. 
4.279.   We note the significant developments in the economic policies of the United  States, and we 
appreciate the opportunity to learn more about these policies through this Trade Policy Review. Our 
delegation has submitted advance written questions an d we thank the delegation of the 
United  States for its timely responses.  
4.280.   In closing, the Philippines looks forward to further enhancing our mutually beneficial 
economic relations with the United  States.  
BRUNEI  DARUSSALAM  
4.281.   Brunei  Darussalam associates itsel f with the ASEAN statement to be delivered by Cambodia, 
and joins in welcoming the delegation from the United  States led by H .E. Ambassador 
María L. Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and Chief of Mission Geneva.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.282.   We commend the Government of the Unit ed States for their efforts in preparing for 
their 15th Trade Policy Review, and also thank the WTO Secretariat for their clear and comprehensive 
Report. We would also like to express our appreciation to the discussant H .E. Ambassador 
Cheryl  Spencer of Jam aica for the insightful overview of both Reports under consideration.  
4.283.   Brunei  Darussalam and the United  States established diplomatic relations on 
10 March  1984, and we have a strong, long -standing, bilateral relationship with the United  States 
that covers  many areas of cooperation from defence, investment, education , and people -to-people 
exchanges.  
4.284.   Brunei  Darussalam enjoys good trade and economic relations with the United  States with 
bilateral trade remains in the U nited States'  favour and stands at B ND 335.9 million in 2021 where 
most of our imports are on machinery, transport equipment, optical instruments, chemicals and 
mineral products.  
4.285.   As our countries work to achieve a more sustainable growth post COVID -19, 
Brunei  Darussalam sees the potential to inc rease our bilateral cooperation across many sectors 
including through the bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). In this regard, 
we are pleased that the U.S. investors in Brunei  Darussalam are actively contributing to the country 's 
economic development particularly in the oil and gas sector.   
4.286.   Brunei  Darussalam and the United  States are closely linked through ASEAN, as the 
United  States is one of ASEAN 's Dialogue Partners, through which we have maintained robust 
economic cooperatio n including the ASEAN -U.S. TIFA and E3 Work Plan, amongst others. Most 
recently, our leaders also established the ASEAN -U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the 
10th ASEAN -U.S. Summit in November  2022 to further step -up our cooperation for the futur e 
prosperity and security of our people by working together in strengthening our economic ties and 
connectivity as well as promoting maritime cooperation and advancing efforts to achieve the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  
4.287.   Brunei  Darussalam also v alues our engagement with the United  States in the various 
multilateral for a including APEC. We look forward the United  States ' APEC chairmanship next year 
and express our commitment to work with the United  States and other APEC Economies on the 
United States' thematic priorities.  
4.288.   In addition, Brunei  Darussalam is pleased to be part of the new U.S. -led Indo -Pacific 
Economic Framework (IPEF) launched in May this year to promote engagement and collaboration on 
areas of mutual interest including structural ref orms, resilient infrastructures and producing quality 
manpower.  
4.289.   As firm supporters of the multilateral trading system and of the WTO, Brunei  Darussalam 
appreciates the United  States ' active engagement in this Organization, including the U.S. -led 
informal dispute settlement reform discussions that are taking place currently. We hope these efforts 
would help towards addressing the current impasse in the dispute settlement function and we look 
forward for it to be formalized.   
4.290.   Brunei  Darussalam has submitted  several questions in relations to the Reports by the 
United  States and the Secretariat and we thank them for their responses.  
4.291.   Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to wish the United  States a successful 
15th Trade Policy Review.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.292.   I would like to start by extending a warm welcome to the entire United  States ' delegation. 
And I also wish to thank the discussant for his concise introduction. Both the introductory remarks 
and the outstanding report by the Secretariat provide us with clarit y in a matter in which one is 
easily overwhelmed by the volume of information.  
4.293.   Claiming that the U .S. is an important trading partner for Switzerland is an understatement. 
The US (in 2021) is Switzerland 's largest export market and its most important partn er worldwide WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  when it comes to trade in goods. Dominant sectors and products in our trade relationship include 
chemicals and pharmaceuticals, precision instruments and watches, as well as machinery and 
electronics.  
4.294.   In terms of direct investments, Switzerla nd is the seven th most important investor in the 
U.S. and among the top  three  for R&D investments. From the Swiss perspective, the U .S. is the first 
destination for foreign direct investment with close to CHF 300 billion in 2020, counting for more 
than 20% of Switzerland 's total FDI.  
4.295.   On the institutional side, Switzerland and the U .S. maintain a close dialogue since 2006 
within a bilateral Trade and Investment Forum, where main discussion topics include intellectual 
property rights, trade facilitation, mutual recognition of bioproducts, and the Privacy Shield. 
Individual company cases are also discussed in this format. In addition, together with our EFTA 
partners, we established in 2013 a Trade Policy Dialogue with the USTR. The next meeting of this 
Trade Policy Dialogue will take place in two days, on 16  December.  
4.296.   Switzerland and the U.S. share strong common values in all fields. When it comes to trade 
in particular, we both believe in market economies and free trade. And we trust that maintaining a 
competitive and open economy, together with government support measures and a well -crafted 
monetary policy, helped the U .S. economy experience a swift rebound of its GDP in 2021.  
4.297.   Our shared values map into a very close cooperation in international fora, including here in 
Geneva at the WTO where we both advocate for open markets and engage to  improve the functioning 
of the Organization.  
4.298.   Historically, the U .S. have been instrumental in shaping the multilateral trading system and 
played a leading role in many negotiations that led to meaningful agreements and decisions in this 
house. Today, we c annot but encourage the U .S. to take a similar role in the current and future 
negotiations and promote ambition in the broad sense. This will be particularly important in the WTO 
reform process and in the restoration of a fully and well -functioning Dispute  Settlement Mechanism 
by 2024. In the same vein, while recognizing the U .S. participation in several plurilateral agreements 
(including ITA  I and II, GPA, and Trade in civil aircraft) and in some of the joint statement initiatives 
(such as domestic regulat ion, e -commerce , and TESSD), we wish to encourage the U .S. to join the 
remaining JSIs, namely on MSMEs and investment facilitation for development.  
4.299.   The contribution of the U .S. to the multilateral trading system is also reflected in the 
monitoring work of the WTO. And in this context, we commend the exemplary notification record of 
the U nited States. Similarly, we welcome the U .S. historically low average bound and applied tariffs, 
and the fact that it has not significantly changed since the last TPR of the  United States. 
4.300.   Some might remember that at the time, in 2018, we expressed concerns, that the 
United States, a traditional free -trader and a bedrock of open markets, suddenly resorted to 
unconventional ways and means. In particular, regarding the addition al duties imposed by the U .S. 
on certain steel and aluminium products, we note that the Panel Report circulated last week in four 
dispute settlement proceedings concerning these measures, including the one initiated by 
Switzerland, concluded that the addit ional duties imposed by the U .S. are contrary to the GATT. This 
confirms us in our conviction that Members of our Organization should always try to address their 
concerns through cooperation and dialogue, rather than by imposing trade restrictive measures.  
4.301.   We read the Secretariat and the Government 's Reports with great interest. And this careful 
reading is reflected in the large number of questions we posed to the U nited States. Specifically, the 
chapter on e -commerce attracted our whole attention in light of the ongoing process and given the 
fact that both Switzerland and the U .S. are actively participating in this negotiation.  
4.302.   Additionally, we asked questions on a number of other trade domains of particular interest 
for Switzerland and its companies . These include worker -centred trade policy, RTAs, tariffs, the 
increase of anti -dumping and countervailing measures investigations, competition policy, 
government procurement as well as trade and the environment. We thank the U .S. for their detailed 
respo nses to our many questions.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.303.   In conclusion, let me reassure that Switzerland will continue to engage – with the U .S. and 
others – to promote a well -functioning World Trade Organization as well as open markets for the 
benefit of our people.  
4.304.   We wish the U .S. constructive and fruitful exchanges during this Trade Policy Review.  
THAILAND  
4.305.   Thailand would like to associate itself with the ASEAN statement to be delivered by 
Ambassador Kemvichet  Long of Cambodia.  
4.306.   We also thank the Ambassador Mar ía Pagán for her Report as well as Ambassador 
Cheryl  Spencer from Jamaica for her very candid and objective assessment of the United  States ' 
trade policies and, of course, I would like to thank the Secretariat for the Report as well.  
4.307.   Thailand and the United  States have had a l ong economic and trade relation in addition to 
other dimensions. The Treaty of Amity, which is our first bilateral agreement, was signed in 1833. 
We are, therefore, almost reaching our 200 -year anniversary of our long collaboration.  
4.308.   Currently, the United  States is the most important in trading partner of Thailand. For the 
past five years, our bilateral trade averaged about USD  48 billion, representing an increase of 11% 
during the last review period from 2018. In 2021, the United  States is Thailand 's third largest trading 
partner and Thailand is the United  States ' 19th trading partner in the world.  
4.309.   I would also like to say that Thailand is the largest beneficiary of the United  States’ GSP 
scheme, amounting to USD  3.8 billion in 2020. Thailand, therefore, highly appreciates the 
continuation of the GSP scheme by the Government of the United  States.  
4.310.   Apart from the Treaty of Amity which was first signed in 1833 and updated in 1966 which 
provides the most important and soli d foundations upon our bilateral trade and investment which 
has continued to this day, Thailand and the United  States also collaborate in many other fora, three 
of which I would like to highlight.  
4.311.   The first one is Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between Thailand and 
the United  States that was signed in 2002. Also, the United  States is a very active member and 
supporter of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC meeting which has just been concluded 
in Thailand in November this year. W e take note the United  States ' intention to continue the APEC 
meeting next year on the similar issues on which we have reached an agreement in Thailand last 
month, namely climate change, sustainability, digital economy, and SME s, among others. We are 
looking forward to continuing to work closely with the United  States during the next APEC year. 
Moreover, I would also like to highlight the ongoing discussion under the Indo -Pacific Economic 
Forum or IPEF which is another forum whereby Thailand, the United  States, and other countries in 
the region are engaging together to discuss issues on the environment, labour, good governance, 
taxation, digital economy, and supply chain resilience. All this points to the close relation between 
Thailand and the United  States  which we highly appreciate.  
4.312.   Having said that, given the close tie between Thailand and the United  States, we cannot help 
but to take note on the concerns on the United  States ' trade policies in the past few years. This 
includes the Build Back Better Agen da as well as other measures that followed. Most recently, we 
have seen the latest development in the new laws of the United  States such as the Inflation 
Reduction Act and Chips Act of 2022. All this is a worrying sign and suggests, in our view, that the 
United States ' trade policies are heavily influenced by domestic concerns from industries. We hope 
that the United  States will continue to be an active player in the open and fair trade regime in years 
to come and we hope that the current trend will not dev elop to an even further worrying direction 
for many countries including Thailand.  
4.313.   At the WTO, Thailand takes note with great satisfaction that Thailand and the United  States 
have been collaborating in many areas, including transparency where Thailand is a  co-sponsor on 
"the United  States’ proposal to enhance transparency and improve compliance with notification 
requirements under WTO agreements ". We hope to continue working with the United  States on other 
issues such as JSIs and digital economy, etc. Howev er, I must highlight that we hope that the WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  United States will have a positive contribution on agriculture as well as on the current impasse over 
the Dispute Settlement Mechanism and the Appellate  Body.  
4.314.   In closing, Thailand appreciates the opportunity to p articipate in the 15th TPR of the 
United  States today. We would also express our sincere thanks to Ambassador Mar ía Pagán as well 
as Mr  David  Bisbee for positive working environment between our two delegations. We have received 
the replies from the United  States to our questions and we are thankful for that. I wish the 
United  States every success in its 15th Trade Policy Review.  
UKRAINE  
4.315.   On behalf of Ukraine, I would like to warmly welcome the delegation of the United  States 
led by Ambassador María  Luisa Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative. We would also like to 
thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of the United  States for their respective Reports.  
4.316.   Ukraine welcomes the opportunity to participate in the 15th Trade Policy Review of the 
United States that exemplifies the openness and competitiveness of the U.S. economy and offers us 
an excellent opportunity to find out more about key developments in its trade regime since the 
previous Review in 2019.  
4.317.   In the light of the drastic changes of the  economic and trade environment during the review 
period, which resulted in the break of more than 10 consecutive years of growth of the U.S. economy, 
we would like to praise its strong recovery in 2021 and to express hope for further positive outlook.  
4.318.   Ukraine highly commends the U.S. for its contribution in tackling complex global challenges, 
caused by the COVID -19 pandemic, the Russia n Federation' s unprovoked and unjustified war of 
aggression against Ukraine, supply chain shortages and environmental conce rns. 
4.319.   In particular, we are extremely grateful to the U.S. for its firm position on Ukraine 's 
sovereignty and territorial integrity, for the continued condemnation of the Russia n Federation' s 
invasion, for its unprecedented comprehensive economic, military,  humanitarian , and financial 
support of Ukraine and for all contribution to the efforts to end this war.  
4.320.   Traditionally, the United  States is among the top  10 trading partners of Ukraine (eighth 
in 2021 worldwide) and it ranks first in the volume of Ukraine 's trade with the Americas.  
4.321.   Our goods and services turnover were continuously increasing in 2019 -2021 (from 
USD 6.1 billion to USD  7.7 billion – by 27 .1%) with metallurgical products, machinery, chemicals 
and other industrial goods, as well as agricultural products being the leading categories of products 
traded.  
4.322.   The disastrous repercussions of the R ussian Federation' s war have led to the huge decrease 
in our bilateral trade. During the past nine months of the current year, the volume of our bilateral 
trade in goods contracted by 32 .3% compared to the same period of 2021 and amounted to 
USD 2,4 billion (exports fell by 40 .6%, imports – by 28 .3%). 
4.323.   Despite  the war and ongoing challenges, we continue to develop our trade and economic 
relationships and the Ukraine – the U.S. Trade and Investment Cooperation Agreement (TICA) is an 
extremely important tool in this regard.  
4.324.   We are confident that the arrangements,  reached during our Trade and Investment Council 
meeting this year, will provide an additional impetus for more dynamic interaction on wide range of 
issues of our bilateral partnership in the economic and trade spheres, including updating the 
abovementione d Agreement to support Ukraine 's efforts to establish a more transparent and 
predictable business environment.  
4.325.   We would like to confirm our strong willingness for further joint work within the framework 
of this Council to take systemic measures aimed at im provement of the investment climate in 
Ukraine, including corporate governance, public procurement, deregulation, privatization, 
intellectual property, labour legislation.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.326.   Ukraine values the U.S. engagement in the WTO, its efforts to enforce the rules gove rning 
the global trade and we share common goal of a fairer, more sustainable international economic and 
trade regime that is based on partnership and global cooperation.  
4.327.   We are sincerely grateful to the U.S. for standing with Ukraine in tackling trade -related 
challenges, posed by illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, and for its solidarity with the people of 
Ukraine expressed at various WTO meetings, including in the joint statements, circulated in support 
of Ukraine in the WTO.  
4.328.   Ukraine also highly apprecia tes contribution and assistance provided by the United  States in 
the field of trade capacity -building, both its contribution in the WTO as well as technical assistance 
with implementing the WTO Membership commitments given to Ukraine through the U.S. Agenc y 
for International Development (USAID).  
4.329.   We would also like to recognize the U.S. efforts to bolster supply chain resiliency, to promote 
open and predictable agricultural trade, to fight hunger crisis and supply chain shocks, caused by 
the R ussian Federati on's war.  
4.330.   It is worth mentioning that the United  States, being the world 's largest agricultural exporter, 
shows strong commitment to global food security and international responsibility.  
4.331.   In this regard, we reiterate our gratitude to the United  States for its readiness to participate 
in President Zelensky 's initiative "Grain from Ukraine ", to supply Ukrainian wheat to the countries in 
Africa and Asia where people need it the most. We are happy that many countries have supported 
this initiative an d, taking this opportunity, we invite other WTO Members to join "Grain from 
Ukraine ". 
4.332.   The assistance of the American agencies in creating the basis for sustainable economic 
recovery and long -term reconstruction of Ukraine is also outstanding. We look forwa rd to developing 
cooperation in these areas as well.  
4.333.   Given the importance of this TPR exercise, we read the U.S. Government Report with great 
interest and note its focusing on a worker -centred U.S. trade policy. Ukraine raised some questions 
to the U.S. in  this field.  
4.334.   As Ukraine benefit ed from U.S. preferences under the Generalized System of Preferences 
(GSP) that expired in December  2020, we also posed questions about its possible renewal.  
4.335.   Besides, we asked the U.S. to share its view on key issues of the W TO reform and experience 
of cooperation with stakeholders in the process of preparation to the WTO Members ' trade policy 
reviews, considering that the United  States places high value on this mechanism and actively 
engages in all TPRs.  
4.336.   Other questions of ou r interest concern particularities of excise taxes imposition, 
standardization, support programs in agriculture, anti -dumping  measures, supervision over 
non-bank financial institutions, etc.  
4.337.   Ukraine once again highly appreciates cooperation with the U.S. and wishes the delegation 
of the U.S. a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
KINGDOM OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.338.   The Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia is pleased to take part in the 15th Trade Policy Review of the 
United  States and wishes to extend a warm welcome to the delegat ion of the United  States headed 
by H.E. Ambassador Pagán whom we appreciate her active role and her delegation in the WTO 
negotiations and other activities at large.  
4.339.   We welcome the Secretariat and Government Reports, and we thank the discussant 
H.E. Ms Cheryl Spencer, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the WTO for her 
insightful comments.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.340.   After the expansion of the real GDP of the United  States in 2018 and 2019 by 2.9% and 
2.3%, it contracted by 3.4% in 2020 due to the COVID -19 pandemic. To boost the economy, the 
Government of the United  States initiated support packages including the easing of monetary 
conditions, the "Build Back Better" agenda and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 which led to 
a real GDP growth rate of 5.7% in 2021.  
4.341.   The Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia and the United  States have a strong trade relationship which 
is supported by their shared membership in the G20. Trade exchange between the two countries 
exceeded USD 30 billion in 2021.  
4.342.   We have submitted some questions to the Un ited States and we will be happy to receive the 
United  States ' replies to these questions.  
4.343.   The United  States is an important and influential player in the global economy, and it is an 
active participant in WTO councils and bodies. However, the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia encourages 
the United  States' efforts to find solutions to the impasse of the Appellate  Body.  
4.344.   To conclude, I would like to thank the Permanent Mission of the United  States to the WTO 
for the cooperation between our two missions.  
NEW ZEALAND  
4.345.   New Zealand welcomes this opportunity to participate in the 15th Trade Policy Review of the 
United  States. I would like to extend my thanks to the Secretariat and the United  States 
Government, and Ambassador Spencer for her contributions as a d iscussant.  
4.346.   New Zealand and the U .S. have a deep and long -standing economic partnership. The U .S. is 
our third largest individual trading partner with balanced two -way trade in goods and services, as 
well as a strong investment relationship.  
4.347.   The U .S. is also a valued Member of the international trade architecture. As the largest global 
economy, U .S. engagement is key to the success of the WTO and the rules -based international trade 
system more broadly.  
4.348.   We are experiencing a global economic outlook tha t is increasingly pessimistic, with 
countries facing strong headwinds.  
4.349.   In this context, New  Zealand continues to prioriti ze the maintenance of an agreed system of 
international trade rules based on high standards and enduring principles.  
4.350.   We therefore welco me the U nited States'  expression in its Trade Policy Report of a continued 
commitment to the WTO and intention to "work within the WTO to encourage a race to the top and 
confront global challenges as they arise ".  
4.351.   It is essential that our global rules for trade are efficient and effective. We appreciate the 
transparency of the U nited States'  Government Report on concerns in the global trading system, 
and its accompanying commitment to appropriate WTO reform. We encourage all Members, including 
the United  States, to continue in this spirit and to maintain trade policies consistent with WTO rules.  
4.352.   In light of the direction from Ministers at MC12, we also look forward to working with the 
U.S. to ensure we have a fully and well -functioning Dispute Settlement Sys tem accessible to all 
Members by 2024. This system will be essential to helping resolve disputes when they arise, and 
safeguarding the prosperity of all WTO Members under the rules we have agreed.  
4.353.   As well as WTO reform, constructive U .S. engagement is ess ential to advancing WTO 
negotiations.  
4.354.   We welcome U .S. participation in efforts to update WTO rules, including through its active 
participation in the joint statement initiatives for services domestic regulation and e -commerce.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.355.   We also appreciate ongoing co operation with the U .S. on fisheries subsidies reform. We 
welcomed the U .S. joining other WTO Members to reach agreement on the WTO  Agreement  on 
Fisheries Subsidies in June of this year, and wish to highlight the close cooperation required to 
achieve this historic achievement.  
4.356.   We take note of the U nited States'  comments in its report reaffirming its commitment to 
ensuring meaningful disciplines  on subsidies that contribute to overfishing and overcapacity, a 
commitment shared by New  Zealand.  
4.357.   It is now essential that we work together to ensure the Agreement delivers credible and 
constructive outcomes.  
4.358.   Another area that would benefit from the leade rship of the United  States are efforts to reform 
and eliminate the use of environmentally harmful and inefficient fossil fuel subsidises.  
4.359.   The U .S. is already actively engaged in this work in the G20 and APEC and we encourage 
their consideration of joining  the WTO Ministerial Statement on Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform.  
4.360.   Apart from U .S. engagement in the WTO, actions taken by the U .S. domestically can also 
have a significant impact on international trade.  
4.361.   The agricultural sector in the U .S. continues to utili ze market and trade distorting support. 
New Zealand would welcome additional efforts from the United  States to reduce these forms of 
support, which have negative impacts on global markets and the environment. This would send a 
strong positive signal to other s increasingly utili zing these forms of support.  
4.362.   We also note that in the period under review, the United  States passed the Inflation 
Reduction Act, which is expected to increase U .S. production of green technologies like solar power 
equipment, batteries, and electric vehicles. New  Zealand welcomes this historic U .S. investment in 
climate action and climate technologies.  
4.363.   While we share the U nited States'  desire to increase urgently the production and deployment 
of decarboni zing technologies, all WTO Members  should pursue this objective in a manner that 
maintains and supports the agreed system of international trade rules.  
4.364.   In this regard, New  Zealand strongly believes that trade and environmental sustainability 
can be mutually supportive.  
4.365.   I would like to clo se by reiterating a message from the opening section of the U .S. 
Government Report, and I quote "The U .S. recognises that trade can – and should – be a force for 
good… We remain committed to upholding a fair and open global trading system ". 
4.366.   New Zealand loo ks forward to working with the United  States, and all Members who value a 
rules-based, fair and open international trade system, to ensure that the this system remains the 
force for good we need it to be.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.367.   En nombre del Gobierno de El  Salvador, deseo unirme a los oradores que me han precedido, 
dando un cordial saludo a la distinguida Delegación de Estados  Unidos, encabezada por la 
Embajadora María  Pagán, los funcionarios que nos visitan desde capital, así como, su destacado 
equipo en Gi nebra, con ocasión del décimo quinto examen de las políticas comerciales.  
4.368.   Permítanos agradecer tanto al Gobierno de Estados  Unidos, como a la Secretaría de la OMC, 
por la preparación y presentación de los informes detallados para el presente ejercicio, los  cuales 
seguramente serán de gran utilidad en el desarrollo de este, poniendo en relevancia la evolución en 
materia económica y comercial de este Miembro para el período objeto de examen, especialmente 
en tiempos postpandemia.  
4.369.   De los informes para este examen, podemos ver cómo la pandemia ha tenido efectos 
negativos, no sólo en países pequeños, sino en los países con las economías más grandes del mundo. WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  También se pone en evidencia que países desarrollados como Estados  Unidos tiene una mayor 
resiliencia y c apacidad de superar las crisis de forma más expedita.  
4.370.   De la misma forma, agradecemos a la Embajadora Sra.  Cheryl  K. Spencer de Jamaica, por 
sus importantes comentarios y reflexiones, los cuales contribuirán a enriquecer las discusiones en 
el presente ejerc icio. 
4.371.   Las relaciones entre Estados  Unidos y El  Salvador continúan siendo sólidas en todos los 
ámbitos. Estados  Unidos es el principal socio comercial extrarregional de El  Salvador. Nuestras 
relaciones comerciales se rigen por el DR -CAFTA, el cual entró en vigor para ambos países en el 
año 2006.  
4.372.   A lo largo de los años y como resultado de las preferencias de ese Acuerdo, Estados  Unidos 
se ha consolidado como el principal destino de las exportaciones salvadoreñas y estamos seguros 
de que las mismas continuarán  aumentando ya que estamos haciendo esfuerzos para diversificar 
nuestra oferta exportable hacia ese país.  
4.373.   Por otro lado, Estados  Unidos se mantiene como uno de los países que brindan mayor ayuda 
para el comercio a El  Salvador, destacándose y a manera de ej emplo, los proyectos de asistencia 
técnica y cooperación en materia de facilitación del comercio. Asimismo, nuestro país ha sido un 
beneficiario de la cooperación bajo la Corporación Reto del Milenio.  
4.374.   Pasando al marco multilateral, El  Salvador comparte la visión de Estados  Unidos de continuar 
apoyando y fortaleciendo el sistema multilateral del comercio, impulsando el trabajo ordinario, la 
agenda de negociación, así como los temas de vanguardia que contribuyan a la relevancia y 
continuidad de la  Organización.  
4.375.   En ese sentido, deseamos aprovechar también esta oportunidad para instar a Estados  Unidos 
a trabajar con el resto de los Miembros para asegurar la continuidad y el buen funcionamiento del 
Órgano de Solución de Diferencias y el Órgano de Apel ación, como uno de los pilares fundamentales 
de esta casa.  
4.376.   Ante un entorno internacional poco estable y en medio de los esfuerzos que todos nos 
encontramos realizando para superar la pandemia, como un Miembro que apoya de forma decisiva 
el sistema multilat eral del comercio, El  Salvador hace un llamado a Estados  Unidos, siendo la mayor 
economía del mundo y un Miembro clave, a continuar mostrando su liderazgo y trabajar por el futuro 
de la OMC.  
4.377.   Para concluir, deseo transmitir a la delegación de Estados  Unidos  los mayores deseos de 
éxito en este su décimo quinto examen de las políticas comerciales y agradecer por las respuestas 
brindadas a las preguntas que presentamos.  
MALAYSIA  
4.378.   At the outset, allow me to warmly welcome H .E. Ambassador Mar ía Pagán, Deputy U.S. 
Trade Representative and Chief of Mission Geneva, and her delegations to its 15th Trade Policy 
Review.  
4.379.   Our appreciation goes to the U .S. Government and the WTO Secretariat for the 
comprehensive review Reports.  
4.380.   We would also like to thank Am bassador Cheryl  Spencer from Jamaica for her valuable 
remarks and assessment of the U .S. trade policy development since its last Review in 2018.  
4.381.   The U .S. has been traditionally a close trade and economic partner of Malaysia. In 2021, the 
U.S. was Malaysia 's third largest trading partner, with a total trade of USD  52.37  billion. The E&E 
(electrical and electronics) sector remains the biggest component of our trade with the 
United States. 
4.382.   The U .S. is also an important source of Malaysia 's foreign investment. For the period of 1980 
to 2021, more than 1,200 investment projects in manufacturing sector worth USD  33.9 billion were WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  recorded, mainly in E&E, machinery & equipment, chemical & chemical products and petroleum 
products. These projects have generated almos t 300,000 employment opportunities for the people 
in Malaysia.  
4.383.   At the regional level, Malaysia and the U .S. have been working closely through the ASEAN 
Plus and Asia -Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) platforms to encourage greater trade and 
investment fa cilitation in the region. On this note, we look forward to contributing constructively 
during the US  APEC 2023 hosting year.  
4.384.   In addition, Malaysia 's participation in the Indo -Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity 
(IPEF), reflects Malaysia 's openness a nd readiness to involve in any platform that we believe will 
lead to a resilient and sustainable regional economy.  
4.385.   At the multilateral front, Malaysia recogni zes and appreciates the U .S. active role in the WTO 
towards the success of MC12, mainly in issues related to TRIP S Ministerial Decision, WTO response 
to pandemics, WTO reform and fisheries subsidies. Malaysia also values the U .S. contribution in the 
Joint Statement Initiative on E-Commerce.  
4.386.   For this current Review, Malaysia has submitted written questions on areas such as energy 
policies, investment regime, government procurement, incentives, as well as environmental and 
forest policies.  
4.387.   Last but not least, we look forward to continue working together with the U .S. to improve 
the functioni ng of the WTO and to ensure that the principles of the multilateral trading system are 
upheld.  
4.388.   We wish the U .S. delegation a productive and successful 15th Trade Policy Review.  
BRAZIL  
4.389.   First of all, let me join others in extending a warm welcome to the U .S. delegation led by 
Ambassador María  Pagán, and also to the U .S. team based here in Geneva. I thank the U .S. and the 
WTO Secretariat for their Reports, the discussant, Ambassador Cheryl  Spencer, for her insightful 
analysis, and you, Chair, for your opening comments.  
4.390.   The U .S. continues to be a key partner for Brazil, bilaterally as well as in fora such as the 
WTO and the G20. It is the main destination for Brazilian exports of manufactured products, and 
also a traditional investor in the Brazilian market, whe re some U .S. companies have been operating 
for more than 100  years. Brazilian firms, on their part, are also increasing their investments in the 
United States . 
4.391.   In 2021, the flow of trade in goods between our two countries reached a record 
USD 70.5 billion,  showing not only a post -pandemic recovery but also an increase to unprecedented 
levels. In the same year, the U .S. was the second largest destination of Brazilian exports, and also 
the second largest supplier of our imports.  
4.392.   The main items exported by Bra zil to the U .S. were semi -finished iron and steel products, 
oil, and aircraft. The main items imported by Brazil from the U .S. were oil fuels, natural gas , and 
non-electric engines.  
4.393.   Turning to investments, according to data compiled by the Brazilian Centra l Bank, the stock 
of direct investment of U .S. origin in Brazil amounted to USD  123 billion in 2020. The stock of direct 
investment from Brazil in the U .S. increased from USD  1.6 billion in 2000 to USD  45.2 billion 
in 2019. Estimates by U .S. entities indicate that these Brazilian investments sustain almost 
100,000  direct jobs in the United  States.  
4.394.   These vigorous economic ties have been strengthened by the recent conclusion of some 
bilateral instruments.  
4.395.   In February  2022, the Brazil -U.S. Protocol Relating to Trade Rules and Transparency entered 
into force. This Protocol, which was signed in October  2020, modernizes the 2011 Agreement on WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  Trade and Economic Cooperation (ATEC) and will further facilitate trade, at the same time increasing 
transpar ency and predictability in the application of trade rules between the two countries.  
4.396.   In 2022, Brazilian and U .S. customs authorities signed an Authorized Economic Operator 
Mutual Recognition Arrangement, which will simplify customs procedures for accredite d companies.  
4.397.   Brazil acknowledges that the U .S. maintains an overall open trade regime. The Secretariat 's 
Report indicates that the simple tariff average remains at 4.8%, with 38.4% of the tariff lines being 
duty-free. 
4.398.   There are, unfortunately, some excepti ons to this pattern.  
4.399.   Agriculture continues to be one of them. Besides the persistence of tariff peaks falling on 
agricultural products and of several agricultural goods being subject to quota limitations, there are 
protracted SPS negotiations unduly harmin g Brazilian exports. Furthermore, Brazil notes with 
concern the adoption of ad hoc , potentially distortive domestic support programs since the last TPR, 
some of which appear to remain operational. Brazil acknowledges that the COVID -19 pandemic 
affected all  WTO Members. However, many of them, including Brazil, found less distortive ways to 
mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic on their domestic agricultural sectors.  
4.400.   Another area of concern for Brazil is the maintenance of quotas and surcharges on the import 
of steel and aluminium products, on the grounds of a justification based on national security. We 
hope these measures may be reviewed or terminated within a reasonable timeframe, bearing in 
mind the complementarities of our steel a nd coal industries and the potential economic benefits of 
not applying them, such as alleviating supply -side inflationary pressures and ensuring resilience in 
global supply chains reliant on steel and aluminium.  
4.401.   Brazil has also been following with concern the adoption and implementation of the Inflation 
Reduction Act, which includes a set of assembly and content requirements for electric vehicle tax 
credits. As we understand this measure, an electric vehicle must undergo final assembly in 
North  America in o rder to qualify for a tax credit. Moreover, the battery of the vehicle would be 
required to have at least 50% North  American content by 2024, and 100% by 2028. We submitted 
a series of questions on these content requirements.  
4.402.   The U .S. has been historically  a main driver and supporter of the multilateral trading system, 
both in the GATT and the WTO. Brazil appreciates the U .S. commitment to "upholding a fair and 
open global trading system - one that follows through on our partners longstanding commitment to 
conduct economic relations with a view to raising standards of living, ensuring full employment, and 
promoting sustainable development " (TPR Report by the United  States ). 
4.403.   Brazil and the U .S. share the desire for meaningful reform of the WTO, and our delega tions 
have been working closely together in order to achieve that goal. In Brazil 's view, Members need to 
revive the negotiating pillar of the WTO and find ways to enable more flexible approaches to 
negotiations in the Organization.  
4.404.   As for many other Membe rs, a critical priority for Brazil is dispute settlement. It has been 
practically three years since the Appellate  Body became non -operational. As a result, Members ' 
access to a functioning Dispute Settlement System in the WTO continues to be impeded.  
4.405.   Speak ing at an event last October, USTR Katherine  Tai noted that "the credibility of a trading 
system, whether it's regional or multilateral, really goes to whether or not the rules are enforceable. 
Otherwise, the rules are just words on a page. (...) [No] matt er how high you dial the standards, no 
matter how modern the rules that you've brought in, if you can't enforce them, then really it's not 
worth very much ". 
4.406.   In our view, these are words to which we can all subscribe. Without a functioning dispute 
settlemen t system, the credibility and the value of the WTO rules is severely compromised.  
4.407.   Brazil has been actively engaging in the ongoing informal discussions on dispute settlement 
reform, and we appreciate the U .S. initiative and efforts in this regard. As the c urrent phase of this 
exercise is coming to an end, we count on genuine engagement on the part of the U .S. as we seek WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  to transition to text -based negotiations that enable Members to have a fully and well -functioning 
dispute settlement system accessible to all Members by 2024.  
4.408.   Let me conclude, by thanking the U .S. delegation for the answers to Brazil 's questions, which 
were forwarded to capital for examination and follow -up. We wish the United  States a very successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
NORWA Y 
4.409.   The U.S. is Norway 's most important trading partner outside of Europe. And the U.S. is one 
of the largest foreign direct investors in Norway. American and Norwegian companies work together 
every day to find smart and sustainable solutions in advanced fie lds such as health care, energy, 
transportation, and defence, to name a few.  
4.410.   Bilateral trade and economic activity between our two countries are based on shared 
democratic and free market values, creating jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.  
4.411.   The U .S. is the largest economy on the planet. Borrowing from the tune "New York , New 
York", for business it 's still very much "if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere ". On the 
trade policy side, we still look to you for leadership.  
4.412.   MC12 was a success. Movi ng forward we need to work on WTO reform on all three pillars. 
That will require courage  and innovation.  
4.413.   The U .S. has taken a leadership role in the WTO on transparency and notifications, we 
welcome and support these efforts. The U .S. has been very active  in the Trade Facilitation Committee 
with its enthusiastic support for implementation of the TF Agreement as well as looking ahead for 
improvements of the Agreement itself. The U .S. has for many years voiced the need for more 
interactive and constructive d iscussions in WTO bodies, creating a seed for the ongoing reform 
discussions about the deliberative function. Generally, your engagement throughout the work of the 
WTO benefits the Organization.  
4.414.   We were therefore more than pleased when the U .S. finally, th is year, was willing to engage 
on dispute settlement. These discussions now need to focus on the most important issues, in a 
setting under the auspices of the DSB, with the objective to find a solution by 2024. A 
well-functioning 2 -tier DS system is benefi cial for all Members. If the agreements on which it rules 
are found lacking, this needs to be addressed through negotiations.  
4.415.   We appreciate the engagement of the United  States on the important issue of disciplines for 
fisheries subsidies and the important role you played at MC12. We welcome the US participation in 
the Trade and Environment Structured Discussions (TESSD) and engagement on important issues 
regarding trade, climate and environment. We are also pleased to work with the U .S. in the electronic 
commerce discussions.  
4.416.   Norway shares the U nited States'  view that trade is an indispensable tool in addressing the 
climate crisis. We are pleased to see that the U .S. takes an active part in plurilateral and multilateral 
processes, including in the WTO, and TESSD and the OECD, to ensure green growth and sustainable 
development.  
4.417.   Both Norway and the U .S. have set bold climate targets and have industries ready and able 
to become leaders in the green transition. The U .S. has just adopted ambitious clean energy policies 
at an historic level through the Inflation Reduction Act. Our interests are clearly aligned in several 
areas; offshore wind, zero emission transportation, b atteries, and minerals, to name just a few.  
4.418.   International trade and cooperation allow for the best ideas, technologies, and solutions to 
be shared across the world. Policies that support the energy transition should work towards reducing 
barriers to trade  and strengthening the transition to a low -carbon economy. By building sustainable 
and resilient supply chains together we are best positioned to solve the climate issues in the most 
efficient way.  Therefore, we have concerns about the distortive and discr iminatory domestic content 
and production requirements in the IRA.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.419.   We urge the U .S. to implement these in line with its WTO obligations. We are deeply 
concerned about the damaging effects of increased protectionism, unilateral measures, and 
escalating tra de tensions. Such measures threaten to undermine the rules -based multilateral trading 
system anchored in the WTO, and most importantly threaten to undermine global economic growth 
and economic stability. The dispute settlement panel has recently ruled that  the U nited States' 
additional tariffs on steel and aluminium are inconsistent with the U nited States'  WTO obligations. 
We urge the U .S. to remove these tariffs.  
4.420.   A final bilateral point , Norway and the U.S. enjoy a close relationship in seafood trade, and 
we both have a common responsibility for ensuring sustainable management of marine resources. 
It is our understanding that the U.S. is considering expanding the scope of the Seafood Import 
Monitoring Program (SIMP). SIMP is a risk -based traceability progra mme with report requirements 
for imports of seafood species groups to prevent seafood from illegal, unreported, and unregulated 
fisheries from entering the U.S. market. However, if SIMP is intended to be a risk -based, an eventual 
process of expanding the s cope of the program me should also be used to remove from the 
traceability program me species that do not represent such risks, such as Atlantic cod.  
4.421.   In times of turbulence upholding the multilateral system is more important than ever. We 
wish the U .S. a successful Trade Policy Review, and we look forward to working closely with the U .S. 
in "making the WTO great again ". 
HONDURAS  
4.422.   En representación del Estado de Honduras, saludamos y felicitamos a las autoridades de 
Estados  Unidos, en ocasión de la celebración  de su décimo quinto examen de política comercial y le 
damos la más cordial bienvenida a todo el equipo, encabezado por su Jefa de Delegación, nuestra 
colega y amiga S.E. María  Pagán, Representante Comercial Adjunto de Estados  Unidos y Jefa de 
Misión Ginebra, al tiempo que les agradecemos por su declaración y por su informe.  
4.423.   Nuestro agradecimiento a usted Presidente por su conducción y orientación, a la ponente 
Embajadora, Cheryl  Spencer por sus valiosos aportes y a la Secretarí a, por la calidad de su análisis.  
4.424.   La sólida relación que existe desde hace décadas entre Estados  Unidos y Honduras, se 
encuentran en un momento importante históricamente hablando, lo cual nos ha permitido fortalecer 
nuestras relaciones económicas, política s, comerciales, educativas y de cooperación por señalar 
algunas.  
4.425.   Para nuestro país, Estados  Unidos representan un país amigo, un aliado extremadamente 
importante y con el cual hemos sostenido diálogos estratégicos sólidos, que impulsan las prioridades 
conjuntas en las áreas de recuperación económica, promoción de la buena gobernanza, refuerzo de 
las protecciones de derechos humanos, diversificación de la producción agrícola, mejora de la 
seguridad alimentaria y protección del medio ambiente entre otras.  
4.426.   Actualmente, Estados  Unidos constituyen nuestro principal socio comercial, y para el 2022, 
exportamos más de USD 1.600 millones e importamos alrededor de USD 3.900 millones lo que nos 
generó una balanza comercial negativa de USD 2.300 millones.  
4.427.   Estados  Unidos recibió el 32 ,6% de nuestras exportaciones especialmente en banano, café, 
y metales preciosos y adquirimos el 33 ,8% de las importaciones, en particular combustibles, harina 
de soya y maíz. En cuanto al origen de los combustibles importados, Estados  Unidos prevalece como 
el principal proveedor de los refinados de petróleo, con una participación del 75 ,5%. 
4.428.   En 2021, el monto de inversión extranjera directa de Estados  Unidos en Honduras fue de 
alrededor de USD 120.000 millones y más de 200  empresas estadou nidenses operan actualmente 
en Honduras.  
4.429.   En el marco de nuestra relación comercial, que se rige por el Tratado de Libre Comercio 
entre la República  Dominicana, Centroamérica y los Estados  Unidos (CAFTA -DR), hemos colaborado 
en cuestiones relacionadas con l a aplicación y administración del Acuerdo a fin de facilitar el 
comercio, mejorar las oportunidades para las pequeñas y medianas empresas y abordar los aspectos 
laborales y ambientales relacionados con el comercio y reforzar su aplicación.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.430.   Por otro lado, y  en términos de cooperación no podemos dejar de mencionar que 
desde  1961, la Agencia para el Desarrollo Internacional (USAID) ha brindado más de 
USD 3.000 millones en asistencia económica a Honduras, y se han precisado los planes de 
Estados  Unidos para ayu dar a Honduras a superar los efectos sociales y económicos de la pandemia 
de COVID -19 mediante la provisión continua de vacunas y equipos médicos, incluidos esfuerzos 
específicos orientados a que los estudiantes puedan volver a las aulas, así como una vari edad de 
proyectos que redunden en la mejora del desarrollo socioeconómico del país.  
4.431.   En lo que respecta a los informes examinados observamos que Estados  Unidos mantienen 
uno de los regímenes comerciales más abiertos del mundo y notamos que en abril  de 2021, se 
anunció un nuevo objetivo para la contaminación neta de gases de efecto invernadero en toda la 
economía de Estados  Unidos, la que debería ser entre 50% y 52% inferior, a los niveles de 2005 
para 2030, y alcanzar el nivel de cero emisiones netas, a  más tardar en 2050.  
4.432.   En cuanto a la política de competencia, tomamos nota del enfoque adoptado común aplicable 
a todos los niveles del Gobierno para promover la competencia en los mercados y aplicar 
enérgicamente las leyes antimonopolio.  
4.433.   De los informes ex aminados, se desprende que Estados  Unidos es uno de los principales 
productores y exportadores de bienes y servicios que llevan incorporada la propiedad intelectual y 
según las estimaciones, está presente en aproximadamente el 60% de sus exportaciones de 
mercancías, y más de un tercio del PIB estadounidense es generado por industrias que hacen un 
uso intensivo de la propiedad intelectual.  
4.434.   Por otro lado, observamos los esfuerzos encaminados a reducir la brecha digital en la esfera 
de los servicios, mediante el establecimiento del Comité para la Evaluación de la Participación 
Extranjera en el Sector de los Servicios de Telecomunicaciones y el creciente interés de los 
responsables de las políticas por la seguridad y protección de la infraestructura de 
telecomun icaciones.  
4.435.   Según la OCDE, la penetración de la banda ancha fija en Estados  Unidos se ha mantenido 
sistemáticamente por encima de la tasa media de la OCDE.  
4.436.   Nuestro país al igual que Estados  Unidos, estamos y seguiremos comprometidos con la 
defensa de un si stema multilateral de comercio justo y abierto, que cumpla con el compromiso de 
mantener relaciones económicas que permitan elevar el nivel de vida, garantizar el pleno empleo y 
promover el desarrollo sostenible.  
4.437.   Finalmente, Honduras felicita a Estados  Unidos por sus destacados e importantes logros 
durante el período de examen y por su activa participación y les deseamos siempre el mayor de los 
éxitos.  
INDIA  
4.438.   It is a great pleasure to be part of the 15th Trade Policy Review of the United  States today. 
At the  outset, we would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of the United  States led 
by H.E.  Ambassador María  Luisa Pagán, Deputy U.S.  Trade Representative and Chief of Mission 
Geneva. My delegation would like to commend the Government of the United  States and the WTO 
Secretariat for their comprehensive Reports. I would also like to thank the discuss ant, 
H.E. Ambassador Cheryl  K. Spencer  (Jamaica) for her insightful remarks.  
4.439.   India and the United  States enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership, covering 
almost all areas of human endeavour, driven by shared democratic values, convergence of  interest s 
on a range of issues and vibrant people -to-people contacts . Regular exchanges at the leadership 
level have been an integral element of e xpanding these bilateral engagements , including the last 
one at the recently concluded G20 Summit in Bali . 
4.440.   India-US cooperation has witnessed intense engagement under various  bilateral dialog 
mechanism in a wide range of areas, including defence, security,  health, trade, economic, science 
and technology,  energy , and people -to-people ties . During the COVID -19 pandemic , both sides 
worked together to strengthen supply chain of essential items such as medicines , exchange best WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  practices on COVID -19 management , and expand cooperation on development of therapeutic s and 
vaccines to counter  COVID -19. 
4.441.   The rapidly expanding trade and commercial linkages form an important component of the 
multifaceted partnership between India and the United  States.  The United  States is  India's largest 
trading partner in goods and services . India-US trade has been on a constant upward trajectory  over 
the last few years . The bilateral trade in goods and services reached  USD 159 billion  during 2021 . 
The U.S. was also the second largest sou rce of foreign direct investment into India with in flows of 
USD 13.82  billion in 2021 .The U .S. is also one of the top five investment destination s for Indian FDI . 
4.442.   We are pleased to note from the Secretariat's Report that  the economy of the United  States 
experienced a rapid rebound in 2021, registering a real GDP growth rate of 5.7% after the setback 
it received  in 2020  due to the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.443.   We also note that during the review period a number of significant changes to the U .S. 
investment regime has been effected.  The US has also pursued new ways to modernize its customs 
procedures, including several pilot projects to facilitate movement of  trade. 
4.444.    We also note that the tariffs on agricultural products still remain more than dou ble the 
average for  non-agricultural products. The United  States continues to enjoy high MNF entitlements 
with non product -specific caps and high -developed per capita domestic support, non -ad valorem  
specific tariff system, and highest entitlement of SSG.  The agricultural subsid ies per farmers, per 
annum  is much higher as compared to that in developing countries.  We look forward to engaging 
with the delegation of the US on how to address these issues as part of the wider discussion on 
agriculture reforms . 
4.445.   We also note that , the United  States continues to be an active user of  anti-dumping duties, 
and between 2018 and 2021, 178  investigations were initiated.  
4.446.   We have raised a number of questions for this TPR and we look forward to reviewing the 
responses provi ded by the United  States .  
4.447.   While we continue to work closely at the Government and business level, we would also like 
to highlight maybe a couple of concerns , on the trade side,  which are undermining the vast potential 
for our trade and investment relation s. 
4.448.   Number one, India is one of the largest exporters of shrimp to the United  States, the U .S. 
FDA testing requirements and other measures place considerable burden on our exporters, the ban 
on wild caught shrimp has significantly impacted our exporters.  
4.449.   We have also regularly highlighted the issues affecting the export of Indian agricultural 
products due to onerous requirements, testing and complex SPS requirements. We  hope that the 
U.S. will continue to  work with its partners on bilateral market access iss ues for mutual benefit.  
4.450.   Finally, I wish to state that India attaches special importance to its deep and diverse 
relationship with the U nited States, w hich both sides define as an enduring partnership in 
the 21st century . We wish the delegation of the United  States and successful TPR.  
TÜRKIYE  
4.451.   We welcome the delegation of the United  States headed by Ambassador Mar ía L. Pagán, 
Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and Chief of Mission in Geneva.  
4.452.   We thank the Secretariat and the Government of the United  States for their Reports as well 
as discussant Ambassador Cheryl  Spencer of Jamaica for her invaluable remarks.  
4.453.   The United  States is one of the main architects and driving forces of the multilateral trading 
system.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.454.   In the Government Report, it is stated th at the United  States is committed to the WTO and 
recognizes trade as a key pillar to raise standards of living and promote fair competition and 
sustainable development.  
4.455.   As the largest economy and importer of the world and one of the most open trade regimes , 
it is only natural that membership has high expectations of the United  States. That is why the role 
and leadership of the United  States is critical to preserve and further advance international trade.  
4.456.   Therefore, economic and trade cooperation is one of t he main driving forces of our bilateral 
positive agenda.  
4.457.   Last year, our trade volume reached a record level – almost USD 30 billion.  
4.458.   We expect our bilateral trade to break a new record this year. We believe that the 
USD 100 billion bilateral trade target is achievable.  
4.459.   Investment flows are also increasing in both directions.  
4.460.   During the pandemic, Türkiye has emerged as a reliable and significant partner in global 
supply chains and demonstrated that it can be a safe and sustainable hub for U.S. businesses.  
4.461.   We believe that we have extensive potential for cooperation in the energy sector and food 
security. We are committed to speed up our joint efforts to further increase our bilateral trade and 
investments.  
4.462.   The GSP program me of the United  States is worth ment ioning in this context due to the role 
it plays in advancing the economy of beneficiary developing countries. Among others, the GSP also 
provides an opportunity for SMEs, which are at the core of economic activities in these countries, to 
compete in the U .S. market.  
4.463.   In this context, we believe that during the next renewal of the authorization in granting GSP 
benefits, U .S. will make available identical treatment to all similarly situated beneficiary countries.  
4.464.   We have no doubt that maintaining Türkiye in th e GSP program me will lead to mutually 
beneficial results for both countries ' economic interests.  
4.465.   We are also observing that the U .S. is an active user of trade remedies and invite them to 
exercise caution in initiating and maintaining anti -dumping and coun tervailing duties especially for 
those that are in force for more than decades.  
4.466.   Türkiye firmly believes that the smooth operation of the multilateral trading system requires 
avoidance of the implementation of unilateral protective trade practices by WTO Me mbers.  
4.467.   In this regard, we consider that the additional duties imposed by the United  States with 
respect to importation of aluminium and steel products constitute a clear violation of the WTO 
obligations of this country.  
4.468.   Accordingly, the WTO Panel authorize d to resolve the DS564 Dispute, which was filed by 
Türkiye, has decided that the additional duties imposed by the United  States are inconsistent with 
the WTO Law.  
4.469.   Without going into details, let us also note that the Panel also decided that exemptions from  
the duties granted to steel and aluminium products from certain countries were inconsistent with 
the requirement of most -favoured -nation treatment under Article  I:1 of the GATT  1994. 
4.470.   As the inconsistency of measures taken by the United  States has been evidently confirmed 
by WTO Panels, Türkiye expects that the additional duties at issue will soon be abolished without 
further undermining the well -functioning of the multilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.471.   However, official statements made by the Unit ed States following the circulation of Panel 
Report has raised concerns with respect to the implementation of the Panel 's recommendation by 
the United  States.  
4.472.   Furthermore, mentioning the intention of not to implement the decision and criticizing the 
disput e settlement mechanism create doubts in terms of commitment to the multilateral trading 
system in general and the dispute settlement mechanism in particular.  
4.473.   This issue has once again caused confusion among WTO Members with regard to functioning 
of the dis pute settlement mechanism along with its main constituents.  
4.474.   Türkiye considers that this systemic and structural approach may have impact and may 
eventually undermine trust in the multilateral trading system.  
4.475.   Making Appellate  Body up and running again with its two -tier and binding character is our 
priority in the WTO reform process. We recognize the importance of informal discussions initiated 
by the United  States  and hope that they will prepare the ground for a solution as early as possible.  
4.476.   We believe that  free, open and fair multilateral trade is a significant component of 
international cooperation and prosperity.  
4.477.   It is with this belief that we would like to have a brief comment on the Inflation Reduction 
Act. It goes without saying that combatting the cli mate crisis is a goal that Türkiye shares with the 
United  States. That said, we believe the trade tools we utilize to achieve this objective should be 
very carefully designed to be in line with the WTO rules and principles, and not to distort trade.  
4.478.   Moving  on, we would like to enhance our cooperation on concrete areas where our interests 
converge and resolve our differences in a constructive and forward -looking manner.  
4.479.   In conclusion, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Pagan and her 
able team for the preparation for this review, as well as their contributions to WTO activities.  
4.480.   We wish the United  States a successful Trade Policy Review.  
ICELAND  
4.481.   Iceland welcomes the delegation of the United  States, led by Ambassador Pag án, to this 
Trade Policy Review today. We express appreciation to the WTO Secretariat and the U .S. for the 
reports prepared, as well as to the discussant, Ambassador Spencer, for the excellent framing of the 
issues for our disc ussion today.  
4.482.   Iceland and the U .S. enjoy a long and prosperous bilateral relation and share common values 
and interests in many fields ranging from security and defence to human rights and the respect for 
the international rule -based order.  
4.483.   In terms of bil ateral trade in goods and services, the U .S. is by far our most important 
trading partner outside of Europe. As with all close partners there is the occasional friction and 
disagreement, and Iceland has submitted few questions in that regard. We look forwa rd to reviewing 
the answers, but I will mention few in my intervention.  
4.484.   Iceland appreciates the firm commitment of the U .S. to the multilateral trading system and 
efforts to engage actively towards a solution where needed such as with the current dispute 
settlement process led by the U nited States. Given the importance of a well -functioning dispute 
settlement system to the multilateral trading system and acknowledging that reform takes time, 
Iceland encourages the U .S. to consider in the meantime to join ot hers in supporting the proposal 
on the Appellate  Body appointments.  
4.485.   Iceland is concerned over unilateral import restrictions stemming from the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act. While acknowledging the U .S. goal of protecting marine mammals from being harmed 
or killed by fisheries activities we both believe the that the provisions are substantially too WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  far-reaching and that rules in  this regard should be the responsibility of the international system, be 
it here at the WTO or at the regional level.  
4.486.   Iceland share s the concerns of many others over the impact of certain provisions of the new 
Inflation Reduction Act. We are in particular concerned that tax credits for electric cars made in the 
U.S. will distort competition, upset supply chains and be incompatible wit h WTO rules.  
4.487.   Finally, as one of the Co -Chairs of the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, Iceland 
welcomes the active participation of the United  States in the working group and the firm commitment 
of the U .S. to economic empowerment of women.  
4.488.   In the spirit of supporting relevant data gathering in this field, Iceland always submits in 
advance written questions on participation of women in the economy of Member States in relations 
with their TPR. We welcome the replies from the U .S. as the answers will contribute to our work in 
gathering best practices in the promotion of gender -equality within trade.  
4.489.   Iceland appreciates United  States active engagement in WTO and their continued support 
for the multilateral trading system. We wish th e delegation of the U .S. every success for their Trade 
Policy Review.  
KAZAKHSTAN  
4.490.   Kazakhstan warmly welcomes the delegation of the United  States, led by Ambassador 
María  Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and Chief of Mission in Geneva. We express our 
gratitude to the Government of the United  States for the informative Report and statement. We also 
thank Ambassador Cheryl  K. Spencer (Jamaica) for her insightful remarks as a discussant, and the 
WTO Secretariat for its comprehensive Report. 
4.491.   Kazakhstan enj oys strong bilateral cooperation with the United  States and attaches high 
importance to further deepening economic and trade relations.  In January -October 2022, the 
bilateral merchandise trade between Kazakhstan and the United  States increased by 30%, desp ite 
the uncertainties in the global trading environment and constituted USD 2.3 billion.  
4.492.   Aside  from trade, the United  States is the second largest investor in the economy of 
Kazakhstan, U .S. companies invested almost USD  60 billion into Kazakhstan's econom y during the 
past 30  years. More than 560  enterprises with U .S. capital successfully operate in Kazakhstan, 
contributing to sustainable economic growth of my country, including leading companies such as 
Chevron, Exxon Mobil, General Electric, JP Morgan Chase, City Bank, among others.  
4.493.   During the visit of President  Tokayev to the United  States, 3  months ago, 10  new bilateral 
projects and agreements were signed.  The agreement s reached on the joint implementation of 
investment projects, including localization of production of medical equipment and vaccines, transfer 
of technologies,  electricity generation, reduction of carbon dioxide emissions  using the latest 
technologies, among others . 
4.494.   I also would like to mention the positive role played by the United  States -Central Asia Trade 
and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), which is one of the key vehicles for trade and 
investment facilitation between the region  and the United  States . TIFA activities mostly focused on 
customs administration, investment policy , technical regulations and standards, sanitary measures, 
and government procurement system.  
4.495.   We commend the United  States for its strong and resilient economic performance despite 
the challenges in the global economy and for implementing  an ambitious reform agenda over the 
period under the review . Particularly , we note strong focus on the United  States customs and border 
protection strategy 2025, aimed at adopting digital and  technologi cal innovations to reduce trade 
compliance burden, simplifying  trade interactions through its integrated account management and 
billing, improving customer experience across trade interaction and so forth.  
4.496.   We also welcome  the ongoing comprehensive reforms  initiated by the United  States under 
the rescue plan 2021 to address economic challenges caused by the COVID -19 pandemic and broadly 
tackling medical supply chains resilience.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.497.   From the multilateral trading perspective, we appreciate the implementation by the U .S. 
Government over a series of trade facilitation measures and pursuing modernization of its customs 
procedures , such as development of a single window,  reduction of intellectual property rights 
violations at the border  and addressing specific custom s related COVID -19 issues . 
4.498.   The United  States has always been a key and invaluable contributor to the WTO  as the 
world's largest economy, we believe that the United  States will continue to lead in strengthening the 
rules-based multilateral trading sys tem. 
4.499.   We also would like to acknowledge the  challenges and concerns with respect to the Dis pute 
Settlement System, including those related to the Appellate  Body, and recognize the importance and 
urgency of addressing those challenges with a view to having a full and we ll-functioning Dispute 
Settlement System accessible to all Members by 2024. In this regard, we welcome the U .S. initiative 
to convene an informal process on dispute settlement reform.  
4.500.   On the bilateral front, w e would like to take this opportunity to express our strong belief that 
the U .S. Government will give due recognition to the active efforts of Kazakhstan on trade union 
reforms and renews the GSP with Kazakhstan as part of our strong economic trade partnership.   
4.501.   We also would like to support other Members  and echo their statements that the protectionist 
import duties applied for steel and aluminium products will be addressed  in a constructive manner 
in the near future . 
4.502.   For this Review, Kazakhstan has submitted a se ries of questions covering the policies and 
measures of our interests, including trade remedies and intellectual  property rights. We are looking 
forward to receiving the United  States responses to our questions and we will study them with great 
interest.  
4.503.   In conclusion, we would like to congratulate the delegation of the United  States and the WTO 
Secretariat for the hard work  and efforts that went into preparation of this TPR . We would also like 
to express our appreciation to Ambassador Mar ía Pagán and your team in Geneva . We wish the 
delegation of the United  States every success  for the 15th Trade Policy Review.  
VIET NAM 
4.504.   On behalf of Viet  Nam's delegation, I wish to extend our warm welcome to the distinguished 
delegation from the United  States led by H .E. Ambassador María  L. Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade 
Representative and Chief of Mission Geneva, Head of Delegation, to her 15th Trade Policy Review. 
We would like to express our appreciation to the Administration of the United  States and the WTO 
Secretariat for the  preparation of comprehensive reports for this Review. We also would like to thank 
the discussant, H.E. Ambassador  Cheryl  K. Spencer of Jamaica for insightful observations and 
introduction.  
4.505.   Viet Nam associates itself with the joint ASEAN statement to be delivered by Cambodia.  
4.506.   This 15th Trade Policy Review of the United  States has, once again, allowed Members to take 
a closer look at the economic, trade, and investment policies of the world's single largest trader, and 
a key Member of the WTO.  
4.507.   We are encou raged to learn that despite the impact of the Covid -19 that cause the U.S. real 
GDP to decline 3.4% in 2020, it increased 5.7% in 2021 and forecasted to be 1.4% for 2022. The 
strong economic recovery has been primarily driven by increases in consumption an d investment.  
4.508.   Viet Nam welcomes the United  States' contributions to advancing the rules -based 
multilateral trading system, including the success of MC12 and its efforts to contribute to WTO 
reforms in all three pillars. Viet  Nam commends the U .S. for her a ctive leadership and engagement 
in many areas of the WTO, including TFA implementation.  
4.509.   Bilateral trade between Viet  Nam and the United  States continues to witness impressive 
growth. The U .S. remains one of the top trading partners of, and one of the top investors in our 
country. Last year, despite being heavily impacted by the COVID -19 pandemic and supply chain WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  disruptions, imports and exports between the two countries still reached USD 111.5  billion, an 
increase of nearly USD 21 billion compared to 2020,  by this, the United  States is the second trading 
partner of Viet  Nam to reach the USD 100 billion mark. With regard to investment, the United  States 
is among the top 10 foreign investors in Viet  Nam with total accumulated capital of USD 11 billion. 
In add ition, Viet  Nam welcomes the positive progress that the two sides have made recently in 
resolving bilateral trade disputes on some products such as timber, catfish and honey. These positive 
results would be the basis for further promoting the Viet  Nam – U.S. trade relationship more 
sustainably. Based on both sides ' relationship, we are confident that our two countries will continue 
to promote extensive and deeper cooperation, not only in bilateral economic and trade relations but 
also in many fields.  
4.510.   Before  this review, we have sent a list of questions to the U.S. for better understanding of 
its regulations and we are looking forward to receiving the responses in due course.  
4.511.   In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank H .E. Ambassador María  L. Pagán, 
Mr David  Bisbee , Deputy Permanent Representative and their team at the Mission for the preparation 
of this review as well as their active contribution and engagement in WTO activities. I wish the 
United  States a successful Trade Policy Review.  
INDONESIA  
4.512.   At the outset, Indonesia fully associates itself with the statement delivered by  Cambodia on 
behalf of ASEAN.  
4.513.   Indonesia joins other WTO Members in welcoming Ambassador María  Pagán,  Deputy U.S. 
Trade Representative and Chief of Mission Geneva, and the members  of the delegation from the 
United  States. We are pleased to participate in the  15th Trade Policy Review of the United  States and 
thank the United  States  Government for its comprehensive Report and statement. I would also like 
to thank the discussant Ambassador Cheryl  K. Spencer from Jamaica, as well as the  TPRB Chair, 
Ambassador Ángel  Villalobos of Mexico and the Secretariat for their  insightful Reports and 
perspectives.  
4.514.   Indonesia acknowledges and highly appreciates the historical co ntribution of the  
United  States in upholding and strengthening the multilateral trading system  since the founding of 
the GATT. In this context, Indonesia shares the view of the  Secretariat that the United  States has 
played a key role in the operation of th e WTO, participating in all of its functions, such as committee 
work, negotiations,  and disputes, including the United  States initiative to discuss WTO dispute  
settlement system reform through informal meetings.  
4.515.   The United  States has the world's largest ec onomy and is deeply integrated into  global 
markets. In addition, the United  States ranks first in services trade and  second in merchandise trade.  
4.516.   Indonesia is interested in the direction of the United  States' trade and partnership  policies, 
which the U .S. Administration put in place its "Build Back Better" agenda in  2021, including placing 
workers at the centre of trade policy, promoting a  sustainable environment and climate path, and 
addressing major trading  partners' economic trade practices through a com prehensive strategy.  
4.517.   The United  States is Indonesia's main bilateral trade partner. Historically it has been the 
second destination for exports of Indonesian goods to the world, as well  as the top five supplier of 
imports to Indonesia. Bilateral trade betw een our two  countries has been vibrant and on the rise 
over the past five  years, with a  trending rate of 10.63%. We are committed to further expanding 
trade through  our Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.  
4.518.   Taking this opportunity, I would like to reiterate a few points that we look forward  to 
receiving the United  States ' productive and positive responses.  
4.519.   First, with regard to the implementation of new measures prohibiting and  restricting 
32 categories of goods, Indonesia encourages the United  States to ensure that the measures are 
consistent with the provisions of GATT Article  XI:I concerning Quantitative Restrictions, especially 
bearing in mind that these  measures can change at any time.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.520.   In terms of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the  U.S. Government has  
approved the extension of facilities for Indonesia in November  2020. Two years  after the decision, 
Congress has yet to authorize the extension. In this regard,  Indonesia requests clarification from 
the U .S. regarding the main reasons f or the  delay.  
4.521.   Furthermore, in relation to our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated  3 October  2014, 
we would like to reaffirm the United  States' commitment to  intensify negotiations through an action 
plan on IPR to achieve improved  protection and enforce ment of IPR rights in Indonesia in order to 
support  Indonesia's exclusion from the Priority Watch List/Watch List in Special 301  Reports.  
4.522.   Finally, as I mentioned previously, Indonesia appreciates the informal meeting in  Geneva to 
discuss the WTO dispute se ttlement system reform initiated by the  United  States. We are expecting 
that the outcome of these discussion will lead to  the restoration of the two -tier dispute settlement 
system, with the functioning of  the Appellate  Body. Through this initiative, Indone sia reiterates its 
commitment  to work with the United  States and all Members to engage constructively to find a  
permanent solution, in order to have a well -functioning WTO dispute settlement  system.  
4.523.   Indonesia has also submitted questions on import policies , anti -dumping,  countervailing, 
and safeguard measures, as well as the telecommunications  sector. Indonesia expects clarification 
and response from the U .S. Government  regarding these matters.  
4.524.   Indonesia would like to once again highlight the United  States efforts to  contribute to a more 
open, transparent, and efficient overall trading  environment. Let me conclude by expressing my 
appreciation once again to the  U.S. delegation for its hard work and wishing the delegation a 
successful TPR.  
ECUADOR  
4.525.   I thank Ambassador Mar ía Pagán, Deputy US Trade Representative and Head of the 
American  Mission to the WTO, for her presentation. My appreciation goes also to Ambassador 
Cheryl  Spencer, discussant of this periodic Review, for her relevant comments. Let me also  greet 
the United  States delegation that has joined us in the room, both those delegates from Washington 
and those who are part of the Permanent Mission.  
4.526.   Hemos tomado nota del informe preparado para este ejercicio por Estados  Unidos, así como 
el análisis p reparado por la Secretaría de la OMC. A las preguntas que mi país ha sometido por 
escrito  a la delegación estadounidense, me gustaría añadir algunos comentarios.  
4.527.   Ecuador comparte con Estados  Unidos y otros países Miembros de la OMC la necesidad de  
fortalec er el sistema multilateral de comercio. Sigue siendo válida la ecuación de que un comercio  
sin barreras y creciente entre todos los Estados, en especial de los países que tienen menor  
participación en el intercambio global, nos beneficia a todos.  
4.528.   Confiamos  en que el liderazgo de Estados  Unidos, país fundador de nuestra Organización y 
de su  antecesor, el GATT, se siga manifestando a futuro en las metas comunes que tenemos en la 
actual  coyuntura mundial.  
4.529.   En la pasada Conferencia Ministerial se actualizaron es os propósitos. Cito algunos 
especialmente relevantes para Ecuador: 1)  avanzar en las negociaciones agrícolas de una manera 
comprensiva y  finalmente efectiva; 2)  cuidar la seguridad alimentaria y la continua provisión de 
bienes y servicios  para seguir enfrentando la pandemia, en especial en el mundo en desarrollo; 
3) aportar al avance de  la agenda de comercio y medio ambiente: nunca antes más necesaria que 
en esta segunda década del  siglo XXI, en especial en retos puntuales como, por ejemplo, en la 
continuación de los trabajos en  subsidios a la pesca y la lucha desde la perspectiva comercial en 
contra de la contaminación por  plásticos. El aporte estadounidense seguirá siendo bienvenido y 
necesario para impulsar esas metas  comunes.  
4.530.   El fortalecimiento de n uestro sistema de comercio mundial pasa por tener una OMC más 
eficiente y  funcional. Urge que todos trabajemos por una reforma de la OMC que atienda los intereses 
y expectativas de todos los miembros, tanto grandes actores económicos como Estados  Unidos,  
como países con menor participación en el comercio mundial, en especial países en desarrollo.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.531.   Una parte crucial de dicha reforma sin duda se refiere al pronto restablecimiento del pilar 
completo de solución de diferencias comerciales. Agradecemos los esfuerzos estadounidenses de 
promover una discusión informal que ha permitido exponer muchos puntos  de vista. Esperamos que 
esos y  otros elementos aporten a la toma de decisiones formal, por la que se consolide un mecanismo 
con sus dos instancias activas y funcionando.  
4.532.   Estados  Unidos es el principal socio comercial del Ecuador. Mi país confía en continu ar 
fortaleciendo nuestra relación bilateral bajo las normas de la OMC así como de los instrumentos  
acordados entre los dos países, como el Protocolo sobre Normas Comerciales y Transparencia, 
de 2020. Esperamos que ese instrumento y otros adicionales que lo  puedan complementar, 
contribuyan  a cimentar una relación comercial mutuamente beneficiosa, que refleje el excelente 
estado de  nuestras amplias relaciones bilaterales.  
4.533.   Los lazos comerciales bilaterales podrían fortalecerse adicionalmente con la reconstituc ión 
del Sistema Generalizado de Preferencias. Unimos nuestra voz a la de otros países que consideran 
que dicho mecanismo, aunque de carácter voluntario y cuya decisión depende del Congreso, 
constituye  un factor importante para fomentar el acceso al mercado  estadounidense de productos 
de países en  desarrollo, en especial en renglones productivos nuevos, que facilitan la multiplicación 
de la oferta  exportable y el empleo, muchas veces a favor de poblaciones vulnerables.  
4.534.   En el ámbito regional, Ecuador saluda e l lanzamiento de la Alianza para la Prosperidad 
Económica  de las Américas, presentada por el Presidente  Biden en la Cumbre de las Américas de 
Los Ángeles,  el pasado mes de junio. Las ambiciosas metas nos llegan muy oportunamente, en un 
momento en  que las n aciones de nuestro hemisferio luchan por superar el negativo impacto de  la 
COVID -19 en  sus economías.  
4.535.   Confiamos que el mismo espíritu de cooperación presida el diálogo entre Estados  Unidos y 
sus socios comerciales de otras regiones del mundo sobre el impacto de sus políticas anti inflación 
en terceros Estados. Consecuencias no previstas pueden afectar a naciones en desarrollo o a 
objetivos  globales, como la lucha contra el cambio climático o la transición mundial a energías 
limpias.  
4.536.   Finalmente, mi país  mira con interés y altas expectativas la adopción de la iniciativa Alianza 
para la  Prosperidad en las Américas, adoptada durante la pasada Cumbre en Los  Ángeles. Entre las  
distintas líneas de cooperación, vemos con interés las que atañen a la promoción de l intercambio  
comercial de una región que, en su conjunto, produce un 30% del PIB del planeta y que tiene una  
proyección tanto hacia el Atlántico como a la cuenca del Pacífico.  
4.537.   Me uno a las delegaciones que han augurado un exitoso desarrollo del examen de política  
comercial de Estados  Unidos. Esta es una ocasión también para iniciar o consolidar el diálogo  sobre 
desacuerdos que existan. En un mundo con creciente fragmentación y una preocupante  tendencia a 
la polarización, las virtudes del diálogo y cooperac ión deben ser aprovechadas con  voluntad política 
y sentido práctico.  
MAURITIUS  
4.538.   Mauritius would like to warmly welcome the delegation from the United  States of America, 
led by Ambassador María  Pagán.  
4.539.   We thank the Secretariat and the U.S. Government for thei r Reports, and also thank 
Ambassador Spencer for her insightful remarks on the Reports.  
4.540.   The United  States remains the largest economy in the world and in the top tier of 
international trade representing 8.1% global merchandise export and 13.5 % of global m erchandise 
trade. It is also the leading exporter and importer of services with impressive annual growth rates 
in the sector.  
4.541.   We note that despite the pandemic, the U.S. tariff regime remained about the same as 
in 2018 at overall average rate of 4.8% and w e welcome this effort.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.542.   We take good note of the implementation of President Biden 's Build Back Better 
comprehensive agenda, including the American Rescue Plan. We note that the United  States growth 
slowed over the last two years. We are, however, confident  that the plan to help strengthen the U .S. 
economy, boost manufacturing, innovation and competitiveness will restore growth rates to higher 
levels.  
4.543.   The U .S. growth has always been premised on its international trade resilience and the 
Mauritius delegation would like to acknowledge the efforts of the U nited States  to broaden growth 
perspectives through international trade. In this regard, we welcome the engagement of the 
United States towards preserving an open, rules -based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at 
its core.  
4.544.   In these difficult times marked by the COVID -19 pandemic and geopolitical instability there 
is a need for big players to act as torchbearers to reinforce the trading system and deliver on the 
Sustainable Development Goals.  
4.545.   As we start preparing for the 13th Ministerial Conference, we look to U .S. leadership and its 
contribution to finding the balance between the needs of the developing countries, especially the 
more vulnerable ones, and the developed countries. Reform of the WTO should be premised on an 
outcome that benefits all Members.  
4.546.   The devel opmental priorities of LDCs and developing countries must remain key in our 
discussions including Special and Differential Treatment. We seek a timely delivery on the issue of 
therapeutics and diagnostics for the real benefits that they will bring and for preserving the credibility 
of the multilateral trade system.  
4.547.   We welcome the U nited States'  recent initiatives aimed at restoring the functionality of the 
dispute settlement system which would anchor stability in the multilateral trade system.  
4.548.   At the same t ime, we must also seize the opportunity of MC13 to address the existing 
imbalances in the system, including the excessive use of subsidies, especially in agriculture. The 
Fisheries Subsidies Agreement will remain incomplete as long as we do not deal with o vercapacity 
and overfishing and special and differential treatment, and we look forward to engaging with the 
U.S. and other Members on this.  
4.549.   We are, indeed, pleased that trade is a centrepiece of the U .S.-Africa Leaders Summit being 
held in Washington  DC as we speak.  
4.550.   We recall U.S. Vice  President Kamala  Harris who, when announcing the Summit said: "Our 
administration's goal is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development 
across the continent, to expand capital flows, and to promote t he vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship 
and innovation that is so prevalent across Africa".  
4.551.   Indeed, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), in operation since 1  January  2021, 
represents a market of 1.3  billion people with a GDP of USD 3.4 trillion. It is a market which 
ambitions to move beyond basic commodity exports and imports to the manufacturing of high -value 
goods and industriali zation including digital industriali zation.  
4.552.   We thus hope to see under the AGOA a revitalized Africa -U.S. relationship which,  
• firstly, bolsters African economic development through two -way trade and investments in 
countries across the African continent;  
• secondly, supports the African drive for successful implementation of the AfCFTA; and  
• thirdly, cataly zes U.S.-Africa pu blic-private partnerships, particularly in building, good and 
reliable hard and soft infrastructure which is a prerequisite for connectivity and enhancing 
the free movement of goods and services across Africa 's borders.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.553.   With the above in mind, we commend t he U.S . for looking at sub -Saharan Africa from a 
broader perspective and to seek new ways, beyond AGOA tariff preferences, to expand Africa -U.S. 
economic relations.  
4.554.   As an AGOA beneficiary country, Mauritius looks forward to in depth discussions with the 
U.S. with a view to securing a long -term extension of AGOA which would provide predictability to 
the trading relationship between the U.S . and Africa.  
4.555.   Importantly for Mauritius, taking into account the fact that AGOA involves non -reciprocal 
preferences and that some countries risk graduation due to the high -income per capita status, we 
strongly encourage that a solution be found to avoid trade disruption in these countries.  
4.556.   In conclusion let me say that Mauritius highly values its bilateral relationship wit h the U .S. 
and looks forward to working closely with the U.S . and other Member States in reinforcing the 
multilateral trading system that serves everyone.  
4.557.   I take this opportunity to commend the tireless efforts and the proactive approach of 
Ambassador Mar ía Pagán and her team as we work with them constructively in finding common 
landing ground on various issues of interest.  
4.558.   We wish the U.S. a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
SRI LANKA  
4.559.   Sri Lanka delegation welcomes the delegation of the U nited States led by Ambassador 
María  Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and Chief of US Mission to the WTO in Geneva. We 
thank the WTO Secretariat and the Government of the U nited States , for their comprehensive 
Reports, and appreciate Ambassador Chery l Spencer of Jamaica on her insightful analysis as the 
discussant.  
4.560.   We appreciate active participation of the delegation of United  States in regular activities of 
the WTO, and negotiations on new trade -related topics, and placing its great importance to th e 
smooth functioning of a rules -based multilateral trading system. Moreover, the United  State is a 
party to regional and bilateral trade agreements with its trading partners, within and outside the 
region.  
4.561.   We noted the U.S. Administration placed "Build Bac k Better" agenda in its core focus in 2021, 
which includes several steps to tackle different aspects of the economy, such as, COVID -19 
pandemic, placement of workers in its trade policy, promoting a sustainable environment and climate 
path, maintaining equ itable economic growth, and maintaining a comprehensive strategy to address 
main trading partners' economic trade practices.  
4.562.   It is notable during the review period; the U.S. investment regime underwent several 
significant changes on national security groun ds, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
pursued new ways to modernize its customs procedures to facilitate legitimate trade.  
4.563.   The United  States  has taken several steps to develop technical regulations to ensure, that 
imported goods are treated no les s favourably than like domestic products, and the U nited States  
had made several amendments to its IP legislation.  
4.564.   Also, we noted a considerable number of ad hoc support has been given to agricultural 
producers during the review period, and the U nited States maintains verification or monitoring 
programs that require additional procedures upon importation of seafood.  
4.565.   When we consider the bilateral trade relations between Sri  Lanka and the United  States, 
Sri Lanka 's export to the U .S. has gradually increased during last five years, except in 2020, while 
Sri Lanka 's imports from the U .S. shows a declining trend after 2017.  
4.566.   It is with great appreciation we point out that the U nited States  remains the number one 
export destination of Sri  Lanka. Sri  Lanka 's total  exports to the U .S. market has recorded a 23% 
growth in 2021, compared to 2020. Sri  Lanka 's exports of apparel, rubber -based products, WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  machinery components, activated carbon, precious and semiprecious stones, tea, etc., have 
increased substantially to the U nited States  in 2021. The U .S. has become the dominant export 
market for apparel products from Sri  Lanka over many years. The U nited States  was the sixth main 
import partner of Sri  Lanka  in 2021.  
4.567.   The U.S. GSP scheme provides tariff concessions for Sri  Lankan exports, and Sri  Lanka 's 
exports to the U.S. market has increased by 16% in 2021, compared to 2020 under the GSP scheme.  
4.568.   In terms of growing demand patterns in the U.S. market, and co nsidering sustainable supply 
capacities of Sri  Lanka, we have identified products, such as, rubber gloves, babies ' garments, black 
tea, precious and semi-precious stones, cinnamon and pepper, tuna fish, coconut oil, desiccated 
coconut, bicycles and tricycl es, food preparations, which can be further promoted in the U .S. market.  
4.569.   The U .S.-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), signed in 2002 in 
Washington  D.C. The TIFA Joint Council meetings provide a forum for a trade policy dialogue, 
spanning across a wide range of areas of mutual interest such as market access, investment, IP 
rights, capacity -building, technical cooperation, labour relations and livelihood improvement. 
The 13th Session of the Joint Council meeting was held in 2019 in Colo mbo.  
4.570.   During that session, the US side expressed its willingness to offer cooperation in several 
areas, including improvement of Sri  Lanka 's ranking in the "Ease of Doing Business Index "; digital 
economy sector development; Sri  Lanka 's compliance with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement; 
economic empowerment of women and upgrading and supporting SMEs in selected sectors; 
establishment of a one -stop service centre and enabling environment for MSMEs; technology transfer 
in IP rights and start-ups in technolo gy driven companies.  
4.571.   Sri Lanka received US D 499 million FDI from the U nited States  during 2005 -2020 period, 
and the U .S. considers as one of the top markets in terms of arrival of tourists to Sri  Lanka.  
4.572.   With appreciation we would like to reveal that the U .S. Government has provided 
approximately US D 240 million in assistance and loans towards Sri  Lanka, during the last five 
months. Additionally, USAID supports Sri  Lanka in several projects. In the context of economic 
growth, USAID promotes inclusive, market -driven growth and resilience to economic shocks and 
stresses. USAID supports Sri  Lanka 's economic recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic, and the 2022 
economic crises, through activities, such as promoting trade and investment, strengthening  the 
workforce, and improving the business climate for SMEs.  
4.573.   In early this month, Foreign Minister of Sri  Lanka paid an official visit to Washington D.C. 
and met the U.S . Secretary of State and during those meetings, the U.S. side assured to work with 
Sri Lanka and support towards the economic stability of the country.  
4.574.   Sri Lanka believes that there could be many more potential areas to strengthen the bilateral 
relations between the two countries, and we look forward to exploring those opportunities along w ith 
our U .S. partners.  
4.575.   In conclusion, my delegation appreciates the United  States'  highly valued contribution to the 
multilateral trading system and its active engagement in the negotiations. The dynamic role played 
by Ambassador María  Pagán and her highly  able team in Geneva in proactively engaging in ongoing 
activities of WTO, is highly commendable. We sincerely wish the U nited States  a very constructive 
and fruitful exchange of its 15th Trade Policy Review.  
JAMAICA  
4.576.   Jamaica congratulates the United  States  on its 15th Trade Policy Review and extends a warm 
welcome to H .E. María Pagán, U .S. Chief of Mission and Head of Delegation, and other senior officials 
in the U .S. delegation. We thank the U .S. team for its thorough country Report.  
4.577.   We also appreciate th e efforts made by you Chair, our discussant, and the Secretariat to 
facilitate today 's discussions, the last for 2022.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.578.   We align ourselves with the statement delivered on behalf of CARICOM Member States in 
Geneva.  
4.579.   Jamaica and the U .S. share deep historical ties and common values that have endured since 
the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962. Jamaica has maintained a very close relationship 
with the U .S. over the years that has enabled us to work very closely on several issue s and provide 
important mutual benefits.  
4.580.   We especially value the long -standing  and mutually beneficial bilateral trade relationship 
that has existed since the 1960s. The U .S. remains Jamaica 's main trading partner, accounting for 
just over 40 % of Jamaica 's total merchandise trade. This trade relationship with the U .S. is governed 
by the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), which comprises the Caribbean Economic Recovery Act 
(CBERA) of 1984 of indefinite duration, and the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) of 
2000, which has been extended through to 2030.  
4.581.   The extension of the  CBTPA preferences for another 10  years and the renewal of the WTO 
waiver for the CBERA represents an important affirmation of the commitment of the U .S. to economic 
development and facilitating the stabilization and economic resilience of the economies in  the 
Caribbean region. This is especially critical in the wake of the devastating impact of the COVID -19 
pandemic, which had an adverse impact on external demand for Jamaica 's goods and services as 
reflected in a reduction of merchandise exports from Jamai ca to the U .S. market. The continuation 
of the CBERA/CBTPA preferences forms a key part of Jamaica 's post -COVID -19 economic recovery 
strategy.  
4.582.   Jamaica has made use of the CBERA to diversify its exports to the U .S. and has managed to 
develop an export niche  in the U .S. market. Our increasing exports of non -traditional products to 
the U .S. is an example of this. While the CBERA continues to generate important benefits for 
Jamaica, particularly in terms of exports to the U .S., it is important to note that the U.S. has 
unrestricted access to the Jamaican market. Jamaica is among the few countries in the world with 
which the U .S. has a positive trade balance.  
4.583.   There has also been an expansion of trade and investment flows between Jamaica and the 
US with a signifi cant level of U .S. investment in Jamaica in several areas, including business 
processing outsourcing (BPOs), financial services, transportation, mining, manufacturing, ICT, and 
real estate services.  
4.584.   Several national, regional, and multilateral consultativ e mechanisms and initiatives, such as 
the Jamaica -U.S. Strategic Dialogue, Growth in the Americas Initiative, exist within which to hold 
discussions on issues of mutual interest in trade and investment and enhance bilateral cooperation 
in a range of areas.  
4.585.   We, nevertheless, recognize that the U .S. has faced significant challenges in maintaining its 
dominance as one of the world 's most influential economies. The COVID -19 pandemic, persistent 
high levels of inflation, as well as current geopolitical realities pose significant threats to its economic 
stability and growth. We note positively from both reports that although the U nited States'  economy 
was adversely impacted by the pandemic, it is currently experiencing strong recovery. The pa ndemic 
had stymied its eleven -year growth trajectory. However, the Government 's swift implementation of 
several policy measures, contributed to the turnaround of sector losses, and created the enabling 
environment for economic improvements, which will augu r well for partner countries.  
4.586.   We are aware that some measures adopted to alleviate the effects of the COVID -19 
pandemic may have resulted in challenges to global supply chains, and the export performance of 
WTO Members, especially developing and least dev eloped countries particularly in services. It is 
good therefore that one of the major outcomes of the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), provided 
guidance on how WTO Members should work collectively to respond to future emergencies such the 
pandemic.  
4.587.   We, nonetheless, convey our appreciation to the U .S. Government for its invaluable support, 
through the supply of critical COVID -19 vaccines and other equipment, to Jamaica 's national 
COVID -19 response.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
- 66 - 
 
  4.588.   Jamaica appreciates the U nited States'  leadership role a nd determination to uphold the 
rules-based multilateral trading system, through its active participation in the work of the WTO. We 
note that the US has been actively involved as well as playing a leadership role in, inter alia, the 
discussions on WTO refo rm; fisheries subsidies; agriculture; and note the indications given by the 
Administration to resolving the impasse faced by the dispute settlement mechanism, especially the 
Appellate  Body. Its thrust to deepen global economic integration beyond the WTO th rough, inter 
alia, increased bilateral, regional, and inter -regional trade, including under its 14  free trade 
agreements, is worth noting.  
4.589.   We value the support and continued importance that the U .S. attributes to the integration 
of developing and least de veloped Members into the multilateral trading system, and for engaging 
with them on all issues in the WTO. We commend Ambassador  Pagán, Mr  David  Bisbee , and other 
members of the team for their active engagement. Notably, the U nited States'  delegation 
engag ement with developing country groups such as the ACP in the lead up to MC12 was effective 
in overcoming divergences on various issues such as fisheries subsidies, especially as it concerned 
IUU fishing, the SPS Declaration, WTO reform and WTO 's response to  the pandemic. Jamaica stands 
ready to continue its engagement with the U .S. delegation on issues of mutual interest, as well as 
the implementation of the outcomes of MC12.  
4.590.   Jamaica would like to acknowledge the U nited States'  ongoing support through its va rious 
trade-related technical and capacity -building initiatives, tariff preference programs, and the WTO 's 
Aid for trade initiatives. This assistance has enabled Members, especially developing and least 
developed countries, to prepare for negotiations, inc rease their trade as well as implement the 
provisions of many WTO  Agreement s. The U nited States'  assistance has also been provided to those 
countries seeking to accede to the WTO. These actions are tangible demonstrations of the 
United States'  commitment t o ensuring that the multilateral system benefits the whole Membership 
and should be supported.  
4.591.   In conclusion, Jamaica welcomes all actions taken by the U .S. to enhance international trade. 
We look forward to a constructive exchange of views on all aspects of the United  States'  trade policy 
and wish the delegation the utmost success during its 15th Trade Policy Review.  
PARAGUAY  
4.592.   Paraguay quisiera extender una c ordial bienvenida a la delegación de Estados  Unidos, en 
especial a la Embajadora Mar ía L. Pagán, como Jefa de Delegación. De igual manera, quisiéramos 
agradecer a usted por la conducción de este examen y a la Embajadora Cheryl  Spencer de Jamaica, 
por su po nencia, así como a la secretaría por la elaboración del exhaustivo informe.  
4.593.   La asociación entre Estados  Unidos y Paraguay se basa en una larga historia de cooperación, 
principios compartidos, intereses comunes, una importante relación comercial bilateral y respeto 
mutuo entre nuestros gobiernos y pueblos.  
4.594.   Como bien lo señala el informe de la Secretaría, el periodo objeto de examen fue desafiante 
como consecuencia de la pandemia causada por la COVID -19. Tras un período de crecimiento 
económico estable, el PIB real se contrajo un 3,4% en 2020 tras 11 años consecutivos de expansión. 
Sin embargo, la economía tuvo un rápido repunte en 2021, gracias a las medidas de ayuda 
adoptadas por el Gobierno de Estados  Unidos . 
4.595.   Felicitamos a dicho Miembro por poner en march a varios programas de apoyo para responder 
a la pandemia, entre ellos, la donación de vacunas a países importadores netos como el nuestro. 
Estados  Unidos fue uno de los primeros en ayudar al Paraguay con un primer lote de donación 
de 1 millon de vacunas co ntra el coronavirus, que significo un alivio temporal a medida que 
aumentaba el volumen de producción mundial.  
4.596.   En el periodo abarcado por este examen Estados  Unidos se mantuvo como el séptimo  
mercado de destino de la exportaciones del Paraguay con una par ticipación de 2 % del total de 
nuestras exportaciones y 7,7 % de las importaciones. Con una balanza comercial deficitaria para 
Paraguay.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.597.   Nuestros países comparten prioridades e intereses, entre ellos, la agricultura sostenible y la 
seguridad alimentaria, a  través de la intensificación sostenible, y las políticas agrícolas con base en 
la ciencia, incluyendo la biotecnología. Paraguay es parte de la Coalición sobre el Crecimiento de la 
Productividad Sostenible para la Seguridad Alimentaria y la Conservación d e los Recursos.  
4.598.   En este aspecto, quisiéramos destacar los avances en el proceso para la habilitación para la 
exportación de carne bovina de Paraguay a Estados  Unidos. Paraguay ha adoptado todas las medidas 
necesarias para cumplir con los estándares requeri dos por el Departamento de Agricultura de 
Estados  Unidos para acceder lo antes posible a ese mercado y esperamos que esto se convierta 
pronto en una realidad.  
4.599.   Remarcamos que aún existe potencial para expandir el comercio agrícola, agrícola procesado 
y prod uctos industriales, incluyendo el azúcar.  
4.600.   Por este motivo no podemos dejar de manifestar nuestra preocupación por la redistribución 
del contingente de azúcar USAQ033 en lo que respecta a las asignaciones por país. Este producto 
es de gran importancia econ ómica y social para Paraguay ya que la caña de azúcar se encuentra 
entre los principales cultivos agrícolas y la cadena del azúcar emplea a unas 100  mil personas, 
además es una actividad mayormente realizada por pequeños y medianos productores.  
Estados  Unidos es el destino del 60% de nuestras exportaciones y Paraguay podría proveer una 
cantidad mayor si tiene una asignación que refleje su capacidad de producción.  
4.601.   De igual modo, reiteramos el interés de que se renueve, con carácter retroactivo, el Sistema  
Generalizado de Preferencias (SGP) que ha expirado en 2020.  
4.602.   Seguimos trabajando en el fortalecimiento de los derechos de propiedad intelectual 
relacionados con el comercio. En este sentido, quisiéramos destacar la implementación de un Plan 
de Trabajo en e se ámbito, con el objetivo común de excluir a Paraguay de la "Lista de vigilancia " del 
Informe 301 que incluye un importante componente de cooperación.  
4.603.   Con respecto a la facilitación del comercio, quisiéramos agradecer el apoyo de este Miembro, 
para la imp lementación del Acuerdo de Facilitación del Comercio, a través del proyecto T -FAST.  
4.604.   En el ámbito especifico de la OMC, Paraguay trabaja muy de cerca con Estados  Unidos, 
incluyendo las negociaciones para una mayor liberalización de los productos agrícolas.  En este 
sentido, quisiéramos destacar el compartido interés en avanzar en las negociaciones en materia de 
acceso a los mercados, tema absolutamente prioritario para nuestras delegaciones.  
4.605.   Tenemos una visión común para promover la seguridad alimentaria glo bal en el que el 
comercio es un vehículo y no un obstáculo para lograrlo. Sin embargo expresamos nuestra 
preocupación por el aumento sustancial en materia de gasto de caja ámbar, a puntos muy cercanos 
a sus niveles máximos autorizados e instamos a este mie mbro de Estados  Unidos a implementar 
políticas de reforma y reducción, con miras a facilitar las negociaciones.  
4.606.   Valoramos nuestra trabajo conjunto en las consultas sobre el párrafo  6 de la Decisión de 
Bali, y los trabajos de monitoreo y transparencia en e l Comité de Agricultura en sesión regular, así 
como también en la iniciativa de transparencia impulsada en el Consejo de Mercancías en materia 
de notificaciones.  
4.607.   Trabajamos de manera conjunta en materia de limite máximos de residuos y hemos 
impulsado la Declaración Ministerial sobre MSF adoptada en junio pasado.  
4.608.   Finalmente, quisiéramos agradecer a la delegación de Estados  Unidos por su contribución a 
las discusion es en otros temas como el comercio electrónico, reglamentación nacional en servicios, 
la facilitación de inversiones para el desarrollo, el empoderamiento económico de la mujer y las 
mipymes, iniciativas en las que participamos por la importancia que revis ten estos temas como 
respuesta a los desafíos del siglo  XXI. 
4.609.   Quisiera reiterar la disposición de mi delegación para seguir trabajando en la necesaria 
reforma de la OMC, restaurando el Órgano de Apelación, a fin de tener un sistema multilateral de WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  comercio basado en reglas claras, previsibles y transparentes, reiterando un Trato Especial y 
Diferenciado para los Miembros en desarrollo sin litoral.  
4.610.   En nombre de mi delegación, reitero mis felicitaciones a la delegación de Estados  Unidos, 
con una especial menció n a los delegados de la Misión Permanente en Ginebra, por su siempre activa 
participación. Felices fiestas a todos.  
TUNISIE  
4.611.   Ma délégation a le plaisir de participer au quinzième examen des politiques et des pratiques 
commerciales des États -Unis et souhaite  la bienvenue à la délégation américaine conduite par 
S.E. l'Ambassadrice María  Luisa Pagán, à qui nous exprimons notre considération pour l'exposé 
exhaustif sur la situation économiques et la politique commerciale de son pays.  
4.612.   Je remercie également S.E.  l'Ambassadrice Cheryl  K. Spencer (Jamaïque) pour les 
remarques pertinentes développées dans sa présentation et félicite le Secrétariat pour le rapport 
complet qu'il nous a soumis à l'occasion de cet examen.  
4.613.   Au cours de la période d'examen considérée, grand ement impactée par la pandémie, les 
États-Unis ont su maintenir leur position de principal acteur dans l'économie mondiale.  
4.614.   En étant le premier importateur mondial, l'un des principaux producteurs et exportateurs de 
marchandises et de services, notamment premier exportateur de produits agricoles et premier 
investisseur mondial, les politiques commerciales des États -Unis continuent d'avoir une forte 
incidence sur le commerce mondial.  
4.615.   L'économie américaine qui n'a pas été épargnée par la pandémie, contracta nt le PIB de 3,4% 
en 2020 après onze années consécutives de croissance, a confirmé sa forte capacité de résilience et 
s'est rapidement redressée en 2021, grâce notamment, aux mesures de soutien drastiques mises 
en place par le gouvernement et à un assoupli ssement des conditions monétaires, permettant de 
reprendre une croissance du PIB réel de 5,7% en 2021.  
4.616.   Membre originel de l'OMC, les États -Unis continuent de défendre un système commercial 
multilatéral ouvert, libéral et fondé sur des règles. Nous saluons à ce titre son rôle constructif, 
récemment à la CM12, particulièrement dans les négociations sur les subventions à la pêche et la 
dérogation à l'accord ADPIC, permettant d'atteindre des résultats probants sur ces deux axes. Nous 
exhortons les États -Unis à continuer son leadership pour arriver à des solutions globales et efficaces 
pour la durabilité de la pêche et l'accès équitable aux thérapeutiques et diagnostiques et à la lutte 
contre les futures pandémies.  
4.617.   Nous soulignons, par ailleurs, le programme de r éforme vigoureux défendu par les 
États-Unis, et nous restons confiants que les États -Unis contribueront constructivement à défendre 
les intérêts de tous les Membres y compris les PMA et les PED, pour renforcer un système commercial 
profitable à tous et des  économies plus diversifiées et plus résilientes.   
4.618.   Au niveau bilatéral, les relations tuniso -américaines remontent au 18ème siècle, avec le 1er 
Accord bilatéral "d'Amitié, de Commerce et de Navigation" signé le 27  août 1797.  
4.619.   Suite à l'indépendance de la Tunisie, les États -Unis étaient la première grande puissance à 
reconnaître la souveraineté de notre pays, le 17  mai 1956.  
4.620.   Historiquement, les relations tuniso -américaines ont été marquées par le sceau de l'amitié 
séculaire et de la co opération fructueuse. Cette coopération s'est consolidée depuis la révolution 
tunisienne de 2011, en faveur de la transition démocratique en Tunisie, en s'inscrivant dans le cadre 
d'un Partenariat Stratégique engagé par les deux pays en 2014.  
4.621.   La coopératio n économique et financière entre la Tunisie et les États -Unis d'Amérique au 
cours de la période 2011 -2021 a connu un essor important, et s'est notamment manifestée par la 
mise en place du Comité économique mixte tuniso -américain (JEC), qui a donné un élan à la 
coopération commerciale et financière entre les deux pays.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.622.   Les travaux du Comité ont porté sur la facilitation de l'entrée des produits tunisiens sur le 
marché américain, le renforcement du rôle économique et diplomatique de la Tunisie en Afrique et 
la coopération dans le domaine des infrastructures et des communications.  
4.623.   La Tunisie bénéficie, par ailleurs, du Système américain de préférences généralisées (SPG) 
lui octroyant les exonérations fiscales pour une liste de produits exportés vers le marché américain, 
dont l'huile d'olive, les dattes et les produits artisanaux. La Tunisie est désormais, la 13ème source 
d’importation des produits agricoles aux États -Unis. 
4.624.   Les deux pays s'investissent également, pleinement pour la conclusion d'un accord de 
libre-échange. A ce titre, le mécanisme du Conseil conjoint pour le commerce et l'investissement 
TIFA Council, constitue un cadre important pour faire avancer les discussions et promouvoir la 
coopération économique.  
4.625.   Les États -Unis d'Amérique ont choisi, en fév rier 2020, la Tunisie comme plate -forme pour 
lancer le programme Prosper  Africa, un programme régional visant la promotion de l'investissement 
et du commerce entre les pays africains et les États -Unis, en mettant en relation des investisseurs 
dans divers d omaines commerciaux. Ce programme symbolize la nouvelle vision américaine de 
coopération avec le continent africain, mettant le focus sur le développement. La Tunisie est engagée 
actuellement dans 11  marchés dans le cadre de ce programme, d'une valeur esti mée à 
USD 479 millions.  
4.626.   Les États -Unis d'Amérique poursuivent, par ailleurs, leur soutien financier à la Tunisie en 
allouant une aide d'un montant de USD  197 millions au cours de l'année 2021. Nous aspirons, à ce 
stade, que l'accord technique (Staff Level  Agreement) sur les réformes économiques, conclu en 
novembre dernier entre Tunisie et le Fonds monétaire international, impulserait l'appui financier des 
partenaires américains.  
4.627.   Nos deux pays, faudrait -il le souligner, sont déterminés à renforcer davantage  leur 
coopération traditionnelle dans tous les domaines y compris l'agriculture et les nouvelles 
technologies, et à capitaliser sur les acquis politiques et économiques et les cadres institutionnels 
existants notamment par l'intermédiaire de l'Agence des É tats-Unis pour le développement 
international (USAID).  
4.628.   Je tiens, enfin, à féliciter l'Ambassadrice  Pagán, ainsi que son équipe, et souhaiter à la 
délégation américaine un examen très fructueux de leur politique commerciale.  
SOUTH  AFRICA  
4.629.   We would like to jo in the delegations that preceded us in congratulating the delegation of 
the U nited States  led by H.E.  Ambassador Mar ía Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and Chief 
of Mission Geneva. We thank the U.S. and the Secretariat for their detailed Reports. We also thank 
H.E. Ms  Cheryl  Spencer (Jamaica) for her insightful observations as a discussant.  
4.630.   As the world's largest economy, the U.S. economy is highly integrated in the global economy. 
We also agree with the U .S. that trade is not an end in and of it self but should be about people and 
achieving the goals of the Marrakesh Agreement. Given the size of the U .S. economy and linkages, 
any developments in U.S. policies and trade measures have a significant impact on all WTO Members, 
especially for developin g countries.  
4.631.   The period of this 15th Review was marked by both growth and declines. During this period, 
the economy of the U.S. continued to expand, with a GDP growth of 2.9% and 2.3% in 2018 
and 2019 respectively. However, as noted by both reports, with the onset of the COVID -19 
pandemic, GDP declined by 3.4% in 2020, before increasing by 5.7% in 2021. The strong economic 
recovery has been primarily driven by increases in consumption and investment. Going forward, the 
outlook has remained positive forecas ted to be 1.4%, 1.8%, and 2.0% for 2022, 2023, and 2024, 
respectively.  
4.632.   In terms of bilateral relations, S outh Africa and the U.S. enjoy strong and growing relations 
supported by investments and increasing trade flows on both sides. Between 2011 and 2021, 
South Africa's exports grew steadily from US D 5.6 billion to US D 12.7 billion. The trade balance in WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  goods increased from a surplus of USD 1.2 billion in 2017 to USD 6.5 billion in 2021, in S outh Africa's 
favour.   
4.633.   With respect to investment, the U.S. is a  significant investor in S outh Africa with more 
than 600 companies who also use South  Africa as a regional headquarters. Bilateral foreign direct 
investment between S outh Africa and the U.S. stood at US D 11.2 billion in 2017, peaked at 
USD 12.2 billion in 2018 and slightly declined to US D 11.7 billion 2021. There are approximately 22 
South African  companies currently investing in the U .S.  
4.634.   Our relations are further characteri zed by a multi -faceted strategic partnership. The U .S. 
leadership in the WTO in pre paration for MC12, as well as its strategic engagement with Africa, 
including through the recently held U .S.-Africa Summit is welcomed. S outh Africa also qualifies for 
preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as well as the U.S. 
Generalised System of Preference (GSP) trade preference programme. Both countries signed an 
amended Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) in 2012 to increase opportunities for 
bilateral trade and investment and optimize the business c limate. As part of the Southern  African 
Customs Union (SACU), S outh Africa signed onto the Trade, Investment and Development 
Cooperative Agreement (TIDCA) in 2008.  
4.635.   It should be noted however, that while there is a positive contributions of AGOA to African  
countries, there are some challenges that hinder the reali zation of its full potential. These challenges 
include but are not limited to restrictive rules of origin  (RoO), SPS requirements, lack of regional 
value chains, lack of diversification in composit ion of exports, and uncertainty about the future of 
AGOA which contribute to the underutili zation of AGOA. As host of AGOA Forum 2023, S outh Africa 
will focus on addressing these challenges and advocate for an extension of AGOA beyond 2025.  
4.636.   While we conti nue to work closely with the U .S. at various levels, we wish to highlight some 
concerns, which negatively impact our trade and investment relations.  
4.637.   The U.S. has undertaken some adjustments to its trade policy by adopting policies that are 
intended to pro tect its national security and strengthen its economy. We are concerned about the 
potential spread of unilateral and trade restricting measures under the banner of national security.  
4.638.   We deeply regret the Section  232 measures on steel and aluminium applied  by the U .S. 
since 2018 citing national security concerns. These have significant implications on our trade. Trade 
data reveals a significant decline in the volumes of steel and aluminium exported to the U.S. since 
the restrictions. Between 2018 (1.2  billion tons) and 2019 (614  million tons), S outh African  steel 
export volumes dropped by 549  million tons and further dropped by 160  million tons in 2020. To 
date, S outh Africa has experienced a decline of over 709  million tons of steel exports to the U.S. 
due to the restrictions.  We therefore call for the exclusion of S outh Africa products from the 
Section  232 measures on steel and aluminium.  
4.639.   On 17  February  2019, the U.S. completed a Section  232 investigation to determine the 
effects on the national securi ty of imports of automobiles, including cars, SUVs, vans and light trucks, 
and automotive parts on the basis that such imports had reduced auto -related jobs and research 
and development (R&D) activities in the U nited States'  domestic market.  
4.640.   South Africa believes that steel, aluminium, autos, and auto parts from S outh Africa are not 
a threat to U.S. national security, but rather have contributed to U.S. industries and job creation. 
While we recogni ze the importance of the national security exception, it ha s been generally 
understood to provide a narrow exception for genuinely essential security measures, in order to 
guard against the imposition of trade barriers for commercial or political purposes under the guise 
of national security.  
4.641.   We note the implement ation of "Buy American" provisions, Inflation Reduction Act and the 
various initiatives to address supply -chain disruptions. These raise a need for a multilateral 
discussion on the need to rebalance trade rules to provide policy space for industriali zation and 
structural transformation in a balanced manner.  
4.642.   In view of the above, we would appreciate the following –  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  • List all of the changes in import tariff treatment on iron and steel products since the last TPR 
of the U.S. If production of this list is not possible, kindly explain why.  
• List all of the Federal public procurement measures, including those frequently referred to 
as "Buy America " measures, announced or implemented since the last TPR of the U.S.  
• What share of U.S. imports of iron and steel produ cts are covered by measures implemented 
since the last TPR of the U.S. that are affected by import restrictions?  
• List of all trade policy measures on imports of automobiles and related supply chains 
implemented by the U .S. since the last Trade Policy Revie w. 
4.643.   The tariff profile of the U.S. remains diverse and complex with significant tariff peaks, 
particularly in agricultural products, footwear, leather, and textiles, which are of interest to 
developing countries including S outh Africa. We would encourage th e U.S. to streamline its tariff 
structures to facilitate exports of developing countries.  
4.644.   In the Agreement on Agriculture, the U.S. has huge flexibilities, which include high aggregate 
measures of support (AMS) entitlements with no product specific caps, h igh level of domestic 
support, non -ad valorem  specific tariff system and highest entitlement of special safeguard (SSG). 
In addition, the agricultural subsidies of U.S. per farmer per annum is also much higher compared 
to that of developing countries. Agri culture reform remains crucial in addressing these asymmetries 
and we encourage the US to engage constructively as agriculture is one sector where Africa 's 
potential remains untapped.  
4.645.   We hope the U.S will investigate all these issues to meaningfully addres s them. S outh Africa 
stands ready to engage on these issues for mutual benefit.  
4.646.   We take note that the U.S. is committed to the WTO and supports reform, including reform 
of the DSS.  
4.647.   The MTS is facing challenges that require the cooperation of all Members, collectively, and 
in a problem -solving mode, to overcome difficulties and strengthen the rules -based trade system in 
a balanced manner. Addressing the dysfunctionality of the DSS and preserving an effective, 
independent, and two -tier Dispute Settlement Mec hanism (DSM) is urgent. S outh Africa will work 
with the U.S. and all Members to moderni ze the WTO through constructive engagement and 
negotiation with a view to promote multilateralism.  
4.648.   We appreciate the opportunity for this constructive exchange of views  on aspects of U.S. 
trade policy and wish the U.S. a successful TPR.  
ANGOLA  
4.649.   The Angola delegation to the WTO would like to sincerely congratulate the U nited States  on 
its 15th Trade Policy Review public presentation and discussion, postponed at the end of 2019 due 
to the irruption of the COVID -19 pandemic crisis, thus discontinuing the habitual biennial review that 
has been so important for international trade evaluation due to the leading economic weight of the 
dynamic American economy.  
4.650.   We have perused  the 39 -page official  Report from the U nited States  to acknowledge a very 
proficient and authoritative document highlighting economic and trade achievements, trends, and 
main facts for the period under review, from October  2018 to June  2022, marked by the onset of 
the COVID -19 global crisis and, more recently, the almost one -year long the crisis in Ukraine, 
generating dramatic trade dysfunctions, much slower global growth, and hideous socio -economic 
consequences for the LDC and other developing countries. A ngola overtly regrets the recessive 
impacts of the pandemic crisis in the U .S. economy, around negative 3.4% of the GDP in 2020, but 
also records the solid economic recovery to date that has been primarily driven by increases in 
consumption and investment,  including additional spending and discretionary tax cuts exceeding 
25% of the U .S. GDP, a process difficult to cope in most world countries, stressing the resilience, 
financial and innovative advantages of the U .S. economy.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.651.   The Angola delegation is partic ularly pleased to acknowledge in the U .S. official Report the 
priority assigned to rebuilding a global trading system based on fairness, inclusivity, growth, and 
sustainability able to face the complex global challenges: the pandemic and post -pandemic resp onse, 
the supply chain shortages, and the ongoing increasing environmental concerns. We are also 
especially supportive of the U .S. social perspective of international trade as a global process in which 
it is crucial to realize fair competition to ensure th at workers are competing on the basis of skills and 
creativity, not exploitative cost advantages or chaotic labour migration from the depauperated South 
to the industrial and rich North. Angola is also pleased to read the U .S. commitment through the 
WTO to  chart new trade rules that do more to advance decarbonization and other critical 
environmental standards, goals that we expect to include the urgent compensation of LDC countries 
already ravaged by climate change.  
4.652.   Despite not being explicitly referred to in the trade Review Report, sufficient suggestions 
hander WTO Appellate  Body, have already been pledged for the profound revision and update within 
a more extensive process of modernization of our common Organization that still stands as the only 
global ef fective transnational body for international trade. Nonetheless, Angola invites the U .S. to 
unblock the AB's present ambiguous situation through a provisional settlement clearly engaged in a 
reform framework. The WTO reform will be a long -term and ongoing process, and consensus w ill not  
be easy to achieve; therefore, it cannot become a recurrent argument to unsolved, even tentatively, 
the AB functioning.  
4.653.   The U .S. has the largest economy in the world and plays a crucial role in international trade. 
The dele gation of Angola would like to invite the American Government, public and private 
institutions, companies, and entrepreneurs to do even more to liberate the African economy from 
its traditional dysfunctions and build -up a novel compromise towards sustainab le development and 
progress of living standards. The U .S. has some bilateral agreements, still very few, with African 
countries, engagements with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other regional 
organizations and has launched through USA ID the very promising Prosper Africa program me. These 
are essential cooperation steps, but they are not enough. Africa needs from the USAID, cooperation, 
not paternalism, investment not charity.  
4.654.   The Angola delegation is also grateful for the exhaustive rep ort from the WTO Secretariat, 
with highlighting econometric and statistics 9  charts, 77  tables, 10  boxes, and 13  appendix tables. 
The voluminous text thoroughly reviews the economic U .S. environment in the last four years, trade 
and investment regimes, trade policies, and measures by sectors, including detailed reviews of 
agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing, services, and technologies. The Secretariat Report 
plainly proves that the  U.S. economy is highly integrated with the rest of the world but still lacks to 
share some reciprocal trade advantages. In the period under review, the U .S. only signed 14  free 
trade agreements (FTAs) covering trade with 20 countries. Still, most LDC and developing countries 
are not part of these significative associative processes. We are sure that the current President, 
Government, and U .S. administration will revise its commitments and investments with developing 
countries.  
4.655.   Dear Chair, Dear Head of the Delegation of the U nited States , Angola is the third -largest 
trading partner of the United  States in sub -Saharan Africa, mainly because of our petroleum exports 
that reached USD 1.09 billion  in 2021, tripling the volumes of 2020 affected by the pandemi c crisis. 
In contrast, our imports from the U nited States, mainly in machinery, iron, and steel products, were 
valued last year, according to the UN COMTRADE, at around USD 453 million, not including any 
trading in services. Therefore, considerable room ex ists to improve our bilateral trade, investments, 
and cooperation relations. Angola is a consolidated democracy, enjoying long -term political and 
social stability, has a young and dynamic growing population, and has been engaged in the last 
years to firmly  eradicate corruption from political, economic, and trade fields. Our country can be a 
significant hub for U .S. investments in Africa and a recipient of strategic technological and digital 
transfers able to enhance the continent's role in the global labour  and trade markets. Angola is open 
to discussing and realizing a robust trade agreement with the U .S. 
4.656.   Dear Chair, discussant, and Head of the U .S. delegation, we are thankful for your courtesy, 
and we strongly recommend the U nited States'  Trade Policy Revi ew with the utmost supportive 
appreciation.  
  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  CAMBODIA  ON BEHALF OF ASEAN  
4.657.   Cambodia is delivering this statement on behalf of ASEAN. ASEAN warmly welcomes the 
delegation from the U.S led by H .E. Ambassador María  L. Pagán, Deputy U .S. Trade Representative 
and Chief of Mission Geneva, Head of Delegation to their 15th Trade Policy Review. We commend the 
Government of the U.S . and the WTO Secretariat for preparing such comprehensive Reports. We 
also appreciate the overview by the discussa nt, H.E. Ambassador Ms. Cheryl  K. Spencer, which 
provides a useful summary of the matters under review.  
4.658.   ASEAN -U.S. relations have been moving forward well and significantly growth since the first 
ASEAN -U.S. Dialogue Partnership in Manila in 1977. Over the years, the ASEAN -U.S. relations have 
evolved and expanded to cover a wide range of areas across all the three pillars, that is 
political -security, economic, and social -cultural cooperation.  
4.659.   This year marked the 45th anniversary of ASEAN -U.S. Dialogue Relat ions. In 
November  2022, ASEAN welcome President Joe  Biden to the region for the 10th annual ASEAN -U.S. 
Summit which was held in Cambodia with a successful conclusion whereby the ASEAN and U .S. 
leaders announced the establishment of "ASEAN -U.S. Comprehensiv e Strategic Partnership ", 
thereby elevating ASEAN -U.S. relations to a new height.  
4.660.   The cooperation between ASEAN and the U .S. is guided by fundamental principles in 
promoting an open, inclusive, and rules -based regional architecture, in which ASEAN is central, 
alongside partners who share these goals. ASEAN and the U .S. also reaffirmed the close collaboration 
under ASEAN 's polit ical-security, economic, and socio -cultural pillars, and its priorities for 
cooperation, including trade and investment; maritime cooperation; environmental protection and 
climate change; digital development and cybersecurity; energy transition; smart citi es; public 
health; good governance and human rights; human capital development; people -to-people ties; 
trans-national crime, counter -terrorism; supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); 
combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) f ishing; supporting the Initiative for ASEAN 
Integration (IAI) and Narrowing the Development Gap; and achieving the UN Sustainable 
Development Goals.  
4.661.   The U.S. is an important trading partner of ASEAN. Despite the disruptions caused by the 
COVID -19 pandemic  and global instability, economic relations between ASEAN member States and 
the U .S. have remained positive. In terms of trade, according to ASEAN statistics, the total two -way 
merchandise trade reached USD  364 billion in 2021 representing an increase of 1 7.9% year-on-year. 
In terms of investment, the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) from the U .S. into ASEAN was 
at USD  40 billion, or an increase of 41.1 % year-on-year. The U .S. is ASEAN 's second largest trading 
partner, and the largest source of for eign direct investments with a 23.0 % share of total inflows, 
mainly to financial and insurance services, and manufacturing sectors.  
4.662.   ASEAN acknowledges and appreciates the recent announcement of the U .S. administration 's 
intention to allocate USD  102 million in new initiatives to expand the ASEAN -U.S. Strategic 
Partnership in addition to the USD  150 million commitment at the 2022 ASEAN -U.S. Special Summit 
in Washington in May  2022 in programs for ASEAN. These commitments combined with over 
USD 800 million requested in fiscal year 2023 for bilateral programs in ASEAN member States, over 
USD 12 billion in development, economic, health, and security assistance since 2002, and over 
USD 1.4 billion in humanitarian assistance, including life -saving disast er assistance, emergency food 
aid, and support to refugees throughout Southeast Asia over the same period of time, will support 
the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo -Pacific (AOIP) and reflect the Biden -Harris 
Administration 's deep commitment  to ASEAN 's central role in the Indo -Pacific region.  
4.663.   Moreover, ASEAN further recognizes the important contributions of the U .S. to the 
international community, and its active engagement in the multilateral trading system, particularly 
in the WTO negotiatio ns and the works of the various committees. ASEAN also acknowledges the 
United States'  outstanding efforts in effectively responding to the COVID -19 pandemic and the role 
it has played in international cooperation in this domain, especially for the assista nce the U .S. has 
provided to developing countries and least developed countries.  
4.664.   ASEAN -U.S. relations have been solidified by building upon areas of mutual interest and 
comparative advantages on both sides through promoting an open, inclusive, and rules -based WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  regional architecture and the centrality of ASEAN. The partnership between the two parties continues 
to strengthen mutual trust and respect, relations and deepen interdependence for mutual benefits.  
4.665.   Lastly, we congratulate the U .S. on their many achiev ements and look forward to deepening 
cooperation with H.E. Ambassador María  L. Pagán and the team at the Geneva Mission.  
4.666.   ASEAN Group wish the U .S. every success in their 15th Trade Policy Review.  
4.667.   Allow me to deliver Cambodia 's national statement. At the outset, Cambodia associates itself 
with the ASEAN statement.  
4.668.   My delegation congratulates the United  States on maintaining its economic growth and 
resilience since its last review, especially during the COVID -19 pandemic. We also acknowledge the 
essential role that the U.S. has been playing in and contributing to the WTO Multilateral Trading 
System and the global trade.  
4.669.   Bilaterally, since the establishment of Cambodia -U.S. diplomatic relation in 1950, Cambodia 
and the U.S. has enjoyed a strong and highly co mplementary economic relationship through evolving 
bilateral and regional integration initiatives such as the ASEAN -U.S. dialogue mechanism.  
4.670.   The U.S. is the second largest export destination for Cambodia. In strengthening our bilateral 
trade and economic relation, Cambodia and the U.S. have established a number of initiatives to 
promote greater trade and investment flows in both countries and providing a forum to address 
bilateral trade and investment issues.  
4.671.   In terms of trade, bilaterally, Cambodia -U.S. trade in 2021 has increased by 42.4% to reach 
USD 7,845.71  million compared to US D 5,509.60  million in 2020 and expecting to increase in 2022. 
However, inflow the U.S. FDI to Cambodia remains minimal which was only about USD 9.7 million 
in 2021 and that increasing FDI from the U.S. is highly encouraged especially in the blue and green 
sector, digital and technology transfer, R&D, and other critical sectors.  
4.672.   We would also to reiterate our appreciation and thanks to the U.S. for it s supports to the 
Least -Developed Countries (LDCs) including Cambodia through granting the GSP scheme and 
providing trade -related assistance as well as capacity buildings within the Enhanced Integrated 
Frameworks (EIFs), Aid for Trade, bilateral assistance , and other forms of development assistance 
through USAID and international institutions.  
4.673.   To the extent possible, firstly, our delegation would like to commend the U.S. to further 
simplify and facilitate the export interests from LDCs including addressing the challenges of NTMs to 
ensure the fundamental preamble of the U nited States'  trade preferences and commitment to 
support development of the LDCs. Secondly, we would also urge the U.S. certainly maintain export 
interest of the LDCs to name a few agricult ural products including rice, garment -footwear, and 
travelling goods in the GSP scheme in which these sectors provided essential support to the 
employments and impactful to the vulnerable beneficiaries as well as development broadly. Finally, 
we would also  like to reiterate our request to the U.S. delegate to generously support the LDCs ' 
agenda and proposals at the WTO to a successful conclusion in an inclusive and sustainable manner 
to Leave No One Behind.   
4.674.   Finally,  we commit to working closely with the U .S. especially delegation of the U .S. in 
Geneva to strengthen our good cooperation for economic prosperity and sustainable development. 
We wish the U.S. a successful conclusion of its 15th Trade Policy Review.  
KENYA  
4.675.   I join other delegates in conveying a wa rm welcome to the delegation of the United  States 
of America, led by Ambassador María  L. Pagán, the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and Chief of 
Mission here in Geneva, to its 15th Trade Policy Review.  
4.676.   The United  States has the largest GDP in the world, of which trade made up 24% -28% 
between 2018 and 2021. The economy is dominated by the services sector, with the share of services 
in GDP, excluding government services, rising from 68.1% in 2017 to 68.7% in 2020 and 2021. In WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  terms of global trade, the U.S.  is the world 's largest agricultural exporter, and a top producer and 
exporter of goods and services that embody intellectual property (IP), with an estimated 60% IP 
component in goods exports. It is worth noting that IP -intensive industries account for ov er one 
third of U.S. GDP.  
4.677.   Despite the negative effect of the COVID -19 pandemic on most of its economic sectors during 
the review period, the U.S. has worked towards a strong recovery since 2021, partly as a response 
to the different economic packages put in place in 2020 and 2021 to bolster the economy, equivalent 
to about 25% of its GDP. Kenya commends the U.S. Administration 's "Build Back Better" agenda, 
which encompasses a worker -centric trade policy, tackling the COVID -19 pandemic, promoting a 
sustaina ble environment and climate path, promoting equitable economic growth around the world, 
and addressing main trading partners' economic trade practices through a comprehensive strategy.  
4.678.   The U.S. is a significant trading partner for Kenya. In 2021, the U.S. was Kenya 's third 
leading export destination accounting for 8.05% of Kenya 's export share. Kenya 's total commodity 
exports to the U.S. were valued at USD  543.2  million. The U.S. had the fifth largest share of Kenya 's 
commodity imports with 4.09% impor t share. Kenya was ranked 109th in the United  States' goods 
export market in 2021. The U.S. exports to Kenya were valued at USD  801.8  million, with an average 
annual growth of 4% per annum between 2017 to 2021. The leading goods exports from the U.S. 
to Ke nya were mineral fuels, mineral oils and their products at USD  68 million followed by 
pharmaceutical products at USD  24.8 million.  
4.679.   Kenya enjoys preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act 
(AGOA), with approximately 70% of Kenya ’s exports to the U.S. traded under AGOA, 28% of exports 
accessing the U.S. market on an MFN basis and minimal exports under GSP. Approximately 85% of 
Kenya’s exports under AGOA are textiles and apparel, with Kenya becoming the largest garment 
exporter und er AGOA in 2021. Besides garments, macadamia nuts exports recorded a strong 
performance at USD  62 million, with Kenya supplying 36% of the US’s global imports in this tariff 
line in 2021.  
4.680.   Domestically, Kenya is a beneficiary of USAID initiatives targeting micro, small and medium 
enterprises (MSMEs). A case in point is the Kenya Small Business Development Centres (SBDCs) 
programme which was launched in May  2021 in collaboration with County Governments and a local 
university. The project seeks to bu ild linkages between Kenyan and American SMEs to transfer best 
practices and proven models from the U.S. SBDCs to Kenya 's county -based businesses and tailor 
MSME support to local business needs.  
4.681.   In a bid to deepen bilateral trade relations, the Governments  of Kenya and the U.S. 
established a Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) in 2018. Thereafter, in July  2022, our 
two countries undertook to further strengthen our engagement by launching a Strategic Trade and 
Investment Partnership, which is in the pr eliminary dialogue stage.  
4.682.   Kenya remains East  Africa 's most prolific business, financial, and transportation hub, 
with 80% of East  Africa 's trade flowing through the Mombasa Port. The U.S. private sector interest 
in Kenya is robust, with numerous American companies engaged in Kenya, especially in the 
technology, consumer services, banking, and finance sectors. A notably increasing number of 
American companies have established their regional or Africa -wide headquarters in Nairobi.  
4.683.   Kenya looks forward to a mo re fruitful trade relationship with the U.S. and wishes the 
American delegation a successful Trade Policy Review.  
KYRGYZ  REPUBLIC  
4.684.   The Kyrgyz  Republic is pleased to welcome the delegation of the United  States of America 
led by H.E. Ms María  Pagán  to the 15th Trade Policy Review of the United  States.  
4.685.   We welcome the WTO Secretariat and the U .S. Government Reports and appreciate the 
opportunity to gain a clearer sense of the changes to the U .S. trade and investment policies since 
its last fourteenth review in 2018. We would also like to thank the discussant, H.E.  Ambassador 
Cheryl  Spencer for her insightful comments.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.686.   The history of the bilateral relations between the U .S. and the Kyrgyz  Republic starts 
from 1991, when the U .S. as one of the first countries rec ognized the independence of the 
Kyrgyz  Republic.  
4.687.   The Kyrgyz  Republic and the United  States enjoy a partnership across range of issues based 
on shared values and principles. It is worth to note, that despite of geographical distance, our 
countries establish ed resilient and stable framework of cooperation in trade -economic, political and 
cultural spheres.  
4.688.   Our Governments regularly consult with each other on issues of mutual importance, and 
both recognize the value of continued cooperation on issues such as in ternational trade. In 
March  2021, our two Governments met as part of the U.S. -Central Asia Trade and Investment 
Framework Agreement (TIFA) meetings. We discussed ways to work toward enhancing regional 
trade and deepening our bilateral trade relationship.  
4.689.   Dear WTO Members, Trade and economic relations between the Kyrgyz  Republic and the 
United  States are regulated by the WTO  Agreement  and both countries enjoy the most favoured 
nation treatment in trade. The legal framework between the two countries is based on almost 
20 agreements where the most important are the followings: on investment promotion signed in 
Washington on May  1992; On promotion and mutual protection of investment of 19 January  1993. 
The basis for the development of bilateral relations is the Memorandum of Understanding between 
the Governments of the Kyrgyz  Republic and the United  States dated 26 August  1992. In 1998, th e 
U.S. Congress adopted the law on granting the withdrawal of the amendment of Jackson -Vanik.  
4.690.   The Kyrgyz  Republic and the United  States work together to develop and strengthen 
cooperation within the framework of such multilateral platforms as the UN, OSCE,  C5 + 1, TIFA, 
WTO and others.  
4.691.   The intention of the United  States to move towards barrier -free trade system along with 
granting the status of the GSP to the Kyrgyz  Republic opened unique opportunities for domestic 
producers of the Kyrgyz  Republic to export  products from the Kyrgyz  Republic to the U .S. market in 
compliance with sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical requirements of the U .S. 
4.692.   We firmly believe that the granting of GSP status by the U .S. to the Kyrgyz  Republic  has 
positive effects on our countr y's perspectives to expand export destinations of the Kyrgyz goods.  
4.693.   According to the Report it is noted that the GSP Program me is currently expired. If you could 
please share the approximate dates when it will be resumed.  
4.694.   The United  States is among the 10 largest trading partners of the Kyrgyz  Republic . In order 
to develop and strengthen cooperation between the business circles of the two countries, the 
American -Kyrgyz Business Council has been operating since 2016, the founders of which are such 
large Amer ican companies as General Electric, AGCO , and Baker Mckenzie LLP.  
4.695.   Foreign trade turnover according to the National Statistical Committee of the 
Kyrgyz  Republic with the United  States in 2021 was USD 105,566 million  (export – 4,511; import – 
101,155) which is 1,46% of the overall trade of the Kyrgyz  Republic. This demonstrates a decline of 
16.4%.   
4.696.   The main export goods from the Kyrgyz  Republic  to the United  States during the last decade 
are: inorganic chemicals, leather goods, natural and artificial, carpet s and carpets, knitted and textile 
clothing, finished textiles, different devices and appliances and others.  
4.697.   Import – cars, planes, pharmaceuticals, machinery equipment, spare parts for automobiles, 
meat, earthmoving machines , and others.  
4.698.   Besides the tradi ng of goods, the service s sector  has also further potential for growth. 
Therefore, we suggest expansion of tourism sector and widen cooperation in services sector.  
4.699.   We also believe there is much potential in deepening our cooperation in investments, 
manufa cture, and agriculture spheres.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.700.   The United  States provides various forms of technical and foreign assistance to help the 
Kyrgyz  Government and economic operators in the Kyrgyz  Republic to further develop the economy 
and take advantage of trade opportunities. Under the TIFA working groups, the U.S. Department of 
Commerce's Commercial Law Development Program  has provided the Kyrgyz  Republic with 
assistance on customs, sanitary and  phytosanitary measures, standards, and intellectual property 
rights. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) assists the Kyrgyz Government in 
the implementation of its economic policy reform agenda to promote business development, 
economic g rowth, and job creation. USAID is working in the areas of energy and agricultural trade, 
among others.  
4.701.   We also would like to express our appreciation for continued assistance with implementing 
the WTO membership commitments.  
4.702.   Coming back to the report we w ould like to thank the United  Stated for their remained 
commitment to upholding a fair and open global trading system. We were also impressed by the 
"Build back better " agenda which puts workers at the centre of trade policy, tackling the COVID -19 
pandemic , promoting a sustainable environment and climate path, promoting equitable economic 
growth around the world, and addressing main trading partners' economic trade practices through 
a comprehensive strategy.  
4.703.   Smoothly coming to the logical end of my stateme nt, I would like to emphasize that the 
United  States is a valued partner of the Kyrgyz  Republic, and that our cooperation in the WTO is an 
important element of our partnership. We look forward to working closely with the U nited States  at 
the WTO and wish t he successful 15th Trade Policy Review to the delegation of the United  States.  
PAKISTAN  
4.704.   We wish a warm welcome to the U .S. delegation team here in Geneva and from the U .S. led 
by H.E. Ambassador María  Pagán, at this 15th Trade Policy Review of the United  States of America.  
4.705.   We wish to thank H .E. Ambassador Cheryl  Spencer for her insightful remarks and analysis 
for the discussions at this Trade Police Review.  
4.706.   Our thanks to the Secretariat for their tremendous work in preparing for this Review.  
4.707.   During the period under review, the United  States has continued its expansion and had the 
longest growth ever recorded before the pandemic hit, but the economy recovered quickly due to 
swift and targeted measures.  
4.708.   We wish to commend the U .S. Government for having  steered through the pandemic 
allowing it to bounce back rapidly and stronger, partly due to government support. Being a global 
trade leader, the U .S. economy plays a vital role into the world economy because of its size and its 
interconnectedness. Hence, the recovery in U .S. often signals a recovery globally.  
4.709.   The United  States is one of Pakistan 's major trading partners, with a trade volume of more 
than USD 10.5 billion in the FY 2021 -22. There are untapped opportunities to further expand trade 
and investm ent, and as indicated in our recent Trade Policy Review, Pakistan strives to foster an 
enabling trade environment to increase trade and investment. In this connection, I would like to 
state that Pakistan, hit by floods after the COVID -19, is finding the tr ack back to stability a touch 
harder than others & it shall be of valuable support if United  States considers the approvals of 
importing irradiated mango fruits from Pakistan, which has already been under consideration for 
some time.  
4.710.   We appreciate the vari ous support provided by the U .S. to advance our development. 
Pakistan is a beneficiary of the U .S. development assistance through the Country Development 
Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) for five years (2018 -2023). Furthermore, we laud the United  States 
support to Pakistan 's relief operation in the aftermath of one of Pakistan 's worst floodings ever 
recorde d. WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.711.   Pakistan was also a beneficiary of the U .S. GSP scheme which expired in 2020. This scheme 
has had a positive impact on our development, while providing cheap and diversified quality products 
to U.S. consumers; we encourage the U .S. to consider its conti nuation and expansion.  
4.712.   Pakistan notes with appreciation the U .S. indication of the positive steps taken by Pakistan 
to implement its intellectual property rights protection. Having signed the Madrid Treaty  for the 
International Registration of Marks and ha ving made improvements in domestics IP laws; Pakistan 
looks forward graduating from the watchlist of "Special 301 " report.  
4.713.   We would further like to commend the U .S. for its historical commitments to uphold an open 
global trading system. We note the U .S. trade policy 's restructuration to put workers as its main 
beneficiary and hope that this will positively impact both the U .S. economy and that of its trading 
partners.  
4.714.   We applaud the U .S. efforts and commitments to address the environmental challenges and 
especially for its net zero emissions no later than 2050 and while pursuing this important policy we 
hope that the U .S. will commit to one of its core values of fairness and inclusivity.  
4.715.   Pakistan commends the leading role of the U .S. at the multilateral leve l at the WTO, and 
believe the U .S. Mission, led by H .E. Ambassador Pagán, will continue making a significant 
contribution to the work of the WTO. We have been contributing to the U .S. led DSB reform 
consultations and would continue to engage.  
4.716.   In the e nd, we wish the U .S. every success for its Trade Policy Review and for its ambitious 
objectives to reduce inequality, to raise the standards of living, to ensure full employment, and to 
promoting sustainable development not just in the U.S.  but globally.  
BARBAD OS1 
4.717.   Barbados extends a warm welcome to Ambassador María  Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade 
Representative and Chief of Mission in Geneva, as well as the other members of the United  States 
delegation, to this their country 's 15th WTO Trade Policy Review. We thank the United  States for its 
continued commitment to the WTO and the multilateral trading system (MTS) and for engaging with 
all of us - including small vulnerable economies like Barbados.  
4.718.   Thank you Ambassador  Pagán, and discussant Ambassador Cheryl  Spencer (Jamaica), for 
your opening statements, and the WTO team for the preparation of the Secretariat Report.  
4.719.   The last two years were marked by a series of global crises, particularly the health and 
economic crises which emanated from the COVID -19 pandemic . The United  States was impacted by 
the lockdowns, border closures and restrictions on trade, as all of us were. After an impressive 
11 consecutive years of growth, the United  States economy retracted by 3.4 % in 2020, before 
rebounding by 5.7 % in 2021.  Th is impressive growth came at a time when other countries were 
still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and was in part due to the investing of an early vaccine 
rollout, coupled with fiscal and monetary policy support in 2020 and 2021, which took the form of 
economic stimulus packages amounting to approximately 25 % of the country 's GDP.   
4.720.   We recogni ze that the United  States is currently transitioning to a trade policy agenda aimed 
at pursuing its Build Back Better agenda, which among other things is ai med at tackling the 
COVID -19 pandemic and restoring the economy; placing workers at the centre of trade policy; and 
repositioning on a sustainable environment and climate path. We commend this.  
4.721.   As an island nation on the frontline of the climate crisis, w e welcome the United  States ' 
ambitious reengagement on climate issues and in principle, their commitment to accelerating 
decarboni zation and promoting sustainable environmental practices. We have therefore taken note 
of their intention to pursue a new gene ration of trade policies aimed at supporting the level of 
decarboni zation necessary to limit the increase in global temperature to 1.5  degrees Celsius. We 
would be keen to follow and take lessons learned from the U nited States'  approach as we also look 
 
1 The following statements were delivered during the second day of the meeting.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
- 79 - 
 
  at ways to incentivize a more circular economy approach to production and consumption, especially 
amongst our small businesses.  
4.722.   We welcome the United  States continued advocacy for meaningful WTO reform and its 
leadership on the reform of the Dispute Settleme nt System: these are two critical pathways to 
ensuring the WTO is fit for purpose.  
4.723.   The country 's advancement of discussions on transparency within the various 
WTO Agreement s; and active participation in the Organization's various negotiating fora, particu larly 
as it relates to fisheries subsidies and agriculture negotiations is to be commended. We welcome its 
continued recognition of the importance) of special and differential treatment (S&DT for countries 
like Barbados and its support for the Aid for Trad e agenda.  
4.724.   At the bilateral level, Barbados and the United  States share strong historical, geographic and 
strategic ties. We see these only growing in importance.  
4.725.   In terms of our trade relationship, the United  States continues to be Barbados ' main trading 
partner with a significant portion of our exports to the United  States benefiting from preferences 
through the Caribbean Basin Initiative, the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) and 
the and the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA). Whil e the volume of preferential exports 
from Barbados to the United  States have fluctuated since 2016, preferential exports have remained 
above half of all goods going to the United  States, thereby reinforcing the importance of the CBI to 
Barbados. We want to  continue exploring how we can fully exploit all of the flexibilities under these 
programmes.  
4.726.   Before closing, Barbados aligns with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the CARICOM 
Group. And wishes the United  States a successful conclusion to its 15th Trade Policy Review.  
PANAMÁ  
4.727.   Deseo saludar atentamente a S .E. María  Pagan, Embajadora, Representante Permanente de 
los Estados  Unidos ante la OMC y a toda su delegación por su destacada preparación. A su vez, 
deseo  saludar a S .E. Cheryl  K. Spencer, Embajadora, Representante Permanente de Jamaica, 
ponente en este d écimo quinto examen. Además, agradecemos a la Secretaría por preparar los 
respectivos reportes.  
4.728.   Este d écimo quinto examen de las políticas comerciales de Estados  Unidos nos ofrece una 
valiosa oportunidad para analizar la actuación de uno de nuestros Miembros más influyentes.  
4.729.   Panamá y Estados  Unidos mantienen, desde el establecimiento de relaciones diplomáticas 
formales en 1903, fuertes lazos de amistad y cooperación en los planos bilateral, regional y 
multilateral, en particular en la esfera del comercio. Han sido desde entonces uno de los principales 
interlocutores comerciales de Panamá.  
4.730.   Las Estadísticas del Canal de Panamá indican que Estados  Unidos es uno de los 10  principales 
usuarios de esta vía interoceánica. Además, Panamá y Estados  Unidos firmaron un Tratado de 
Promoción Comercial el 28 de junio de 2007 que entró en vigor el 31 de octubre de 2012, en aras 
de buscar mejorar la balanza comer cial entre los países.  
4.731.   No obstante, según el Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censo (INEC), la balanza comercial 
entre ambos países fue superavitaria para Estados  Unidos, con más de USD 2.800  millones. Panamá 
solo exportó a Estados  Unidos el equivalent e a USD 130,4  millones en 2021.  
4.732.   El intercambio comercial también tiene fuertes componentes en las ramas de servicios 
financieros, aseguradoras, transporte aéreo y marítimo y turismo. Al ser Panamá un país dolarizado, 
existen fuertes lazos entre nuestros ba ncos e instituciones financieras. Desde 2011, Panamá 
participa en el intercambio de información fiscal con los Estados Unidos acordado en el TIEFA (por 
sus siglas en inglés).  
4.733.   Estados  Unidos sigue impulsando varios programas de reformas que se ha centrado e n el 
refuerzo de la función negociadora de la OMC, en las cuestiones sistémicas y en transparencia. WT/TPR/W/220  
 
- 80 - 
 
  Igualmente, han participado activamente en la formulación de propuestas en las negociaciones sobre 
las subvenciones a la pesca y la agricultura, así como en  las iniciativas relacionadas con las 
declaraciones conjuntas y en los diferentes Comités de la OMC. En vista de la importancia para las 
negociaciones de contar con información actualizada, les exhortamos a poner al día sus 
notificaciones.  
4.734.   Reconocemos los  esfuerzos de Estados  Unidos en notificar sus obstáculos técnicos al 
comercio (OTC) y medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias (MSF) propuestos y adoptados a los respectivos 
Comités de la OMC. Igualmente, notificaron determinadas modificaciones de la legislació n sobre 
propiedad intelectual, entre ellas, los cambios destinados a modernizar los aspectos relacionados 
con los derechos de autor.  
4.735.   Durante el período examinado, Estados  Unidos ha realizado varios cambios legislativos, por 
ejemplo: ha introducido una ley y un reglamento nuevo sobre inversión, que amplían los tipos de 
inversión extranjera y que además involucra nuevas obligaciones de notificación, lo que esperamos 
no sea un obstáculo.  
4.736.   Vemos con buenos ojos que la Oficina de Aduanas y Pro tección Fronteriza de Estados  Unidos 
moderniza sus procedimientos aduaneros a través de varios proyectos para facilitar la circulación 
del comercio legítimo de forma segura, específicamente en cuestiones relacionadas con la COVID -19. 
4.737.   En cuanto a la polític a de competencia, Estados  Unidos adopt ó recientemente un enfoque 
"común a todos los niveles del Gobierno" para promover la competencia en los mercados 
estadounidenses y aplicar vigorosamente las leyes antimonopolio.  
4.738.   Nos mantendremos atentos al desarrollo de la discusión durante este examen y reitero la 
disposición de Panamá en continuar reforzando los lazos de cooperación en los planos bilateral, 
regional y multilateral con Estados  Unidos con miras a promover el comercio y las inversiones. Le 
deseamos éxit o en este d écimo quinto examen de su política comercial.  
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ON BEHALF OF THE OECS  
4.739.   We wish to welcome Ambassador Mar ía Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and Chief 
of Mission in Geneva , and her team. We also wish to thank Ambassador Ch eryl K. Spencer, 
Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the WTO and the discuss ant for this 15th Review.  
4.740.   I make this statement on behalf of the WTO members of the Organi sation of Eastern 
Caribbean States . We also associate with the statements  on behalf of CARICOM and the ACP Group. 
We are very pleased to participate in this , the 15th Trade Policy Review of  the United  States, we 
thank both the WTO Secretariat  and the U .S. for their reports, especially bearing in mind the very 
trying circumstances of the past two years.  
4.741.   The U .S. has long been a supporter of multilateralism, indeed , the United  States, which is 
engaged outward -looking and constructive, is a bonus for all multilateral endeavours,  including  with 
respect to the multilateral training system.  
4.742.   This Review is coming at an unprecedented time for both the United  States and the rest of 
the world, the  lingering  effects of the COVID -19 pandemic, rampant inflation, the war in Ukraine, 
food insecurity, high oil prices, and disrupted supply chains have created and/or worsened adverse  
economic conditions around the world, especially for the most vulnerable. It is in this context that 
we must commend the United  States for playing an active role and a leadin g role in areas such as 
the development and distribution of vaccines, which help many countries , especially in the 
developing world , to open up their economy is much faster than would have been the case without 
such tangible support.  
4.743.   OECS countries have h istorically deep ties with the United  States , and t he United  States  also 
continues to be the single largest trade and investment partner for OECS  WTO Members . OECS WTO 
Members benefit from the Caribbean  Basin Initiative (CBI) in effect since 1984, as part of the 
Caribbean Basin  on Economic Recovery A ct (CBERA).  through the CB I, OECS WTO Members are 
eligible for duty free access to the US market for a wide range of goods.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
- 81 - 
 
  4.744.   As the U .S. has noted in its Report, the trade benefits of CBI have helped beneficiary 
countries and dependant territories in the region diversify their exports. Of course, there is still much 
room for sectoral and export diversification across the board, but we certainly appreciate the 
contribution of the CBI to our efforts. CBI benefits ha ve also contributed positively  to our economic 
growth.  
4.745.   While the majority of OECS WTO Members are also beneficiaries under the U .S. GSP scheme, 
Antigua and Barbuda and Saint  Kitts and Nevis are not eligible due to their high -income 
classification. This is a systemic issue which OECS countries, at the highest level, continue to be 
concerned about.  It is therefore important to reiterate that income criteria do not provide an accurate 
depiction of  the true state of a country's economy, nor its development status . 
4.746.   OECS WTO Members are  also party to the U .S.-Caribbean Community CARICOM Trade and 
Investment Framework Agreement, which helps to drive and strengthen trade and investment ties 
between CARICOM and the United  States , since it serv es as a mechanism for both sides to  develop 
practical strategies on a wide range of trade, investment , and economic cooperation issues . This is 
essential to spur  economic development a nd diversification in our region and to contribute to 
improvement in the  well-being of our citizens .  
4.747.   Of course, like other WTO Members, we look forward to  hearing the U .S. responses to 
concerns raised in areas such as U .S. domestic support for its agriculture and fisheries sectors, U .S. 
anti-dumping, countervailing , and safeg uard measures,  and the compatibility of certain U .S. fiscal 
policy instruments, such as , the Inflation Reduction Act, with its WTO obligations . 
4.748.   High on the agenda of the OECS is also finding a resolution to the current challenges in the 
Dispute Settlement System. OECS WTO Members have been constructive and active in the 
United States' convened informal discussions on dispute settlement matters. We certainly welcome 
the U nited States' engagement on such  important issues and we stand ready to further our 
engagement  through a multilateral structure, as we aim for an appropriate response to the mandate 
in Paragraph  4 of the outcome document of the MC12. 
4.749.   It would be remiss of us  to mention dispute settlement  matters without urging the U .S. to 
fully comply with the ruling of the  Appel late Body in the case DS285,  concerning U .S. measures 
affecting the cross -border supply of gambling and betting services in which an O ECS WTO Member , 
Antigua and Barbuda, was a co mplainant . 
4.750.   Finally, we once again take this opportunity to thank the United  States for all its efforts . We 
look forward to the U nited State' continued , active , and constructive engagement in the work of the 
WTO. We wish the United  States  a successful Trade  Policy Review.  
CUBA  
4.751.   Ante todo , quisiera saludar a la Embajadora María  Pagán y a su equipo . Así como a la 
estimad a Embajador a Cheryl  K. Spencer y a gradecer  sus declaraciones iniciales a las cuales hemos 
prestado mucha atención . Hemos estudiado, también, atentamente los informes presentados con 
motivo de este examen.  
4.752.   El bloqueo económico, comercial y financiero impuesto por el Gobierno de los Estados  Unidos 
contra Cuba, por casi seis décadas, es el sistema de medidas unilaterales y coercitivas más dilatado 
e implacable que se ha aplicado contra un país para lo largo de la historia. En el periodo transcurrido 
desde el anterior examen de políticas comerciales d e los Estados  Unidos, hasta la fecha, la política 
de bloqueo contra Cuba se ha recrudecido, tanto en el ámbito bilateral como en el multilateral, por 
el alcance creciente de sus implicaciones extraterritoriales. El impacto extraterritorial del bloqueo 
lesiona también la soberanía de los Miembros de esta casa, por su marcado efecto extraterritorial, 
somete a sus nacionales a las decisiones de tribunales estadounidenses, a tenor del Título  3 de la 
Ley Helms -Burton, viola los derechos de sus empresarios, persi gue y penaliza transacciones 
comerciales lícitas y con arreglo a las normas de comercio internacional entre sujetos que no están 
sometidos a la jurisdicción de los Estados  Unidos, e impide el acceso a sus puertos de los barcos de 
terceros que atracaron en Cuba; por tanto, es falaz afirmar que el bloqueo económico, comercial y 
financiero que impone Estados  Unidos a Cuba, es una cuestión bilateral que no debe ser discutida 
en foros multilaterales. Argumento que se ha  utilizado , por parte de la representación de WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  Estados  Unidos en esta sala, a pregunta s formuladas en ocasión de exámenes anteriores de sus 
políticas comerciales.  
4.753.   El bloqueo viola el derecho internacional y el derecho del pueblo cubano al desarrollo, el voto 
a favor de la resolución titulada "Necesidad de poner fin al bloqueo económico, comercial y financiero 
impuesto por los Estados  Unidos contra Cuba " aprobada en noviembre pasado en la Asamblea 
General de las Naciones  Unidas, por tres décadas consecutivas es expresión de la voluntad 
mayoritaria de la comunidad internacional  contra esa política.  
4.754.   El bloqueo, además, per judica  intereses de empresas estadounidenses que desea realizar 
negocios con entidades cubanas en condiciones normales, en particular,  a sus exportadores de 
productos agrícolas . El Gobi erno est adounidense,  por ley, les impone  condiciones que lo s sitúa en 
desventar respecto a sus competidores de otros países, cuando les impide ofrecer facilidades de 
financiamiento  y les obliga al co bro anticipado de sus ventas a Cuba.  
4.755.   Estados  Unidos ha continuado remetiendo también contra socios comerciales tradicionales 
de otros países, imponiendo medidas arancelarias a diferentes productos con el único argumento de 
la seguridad nacional. Mientras insiste en que los demás Miembros deben cumplir con sus 
compromisos de los Acuerdos de la Organización, es el mismo argumento utilizado para perpetuar 
la madeja de leyes el bloqueo económico,  comercial y financiero impuesto contra un país en 
desarrollo , Cuba. 
4.756.   Estados  Unidos continúa promoviendo un proyecto de decisión sobre procedimientos para 
aumentar la transparencia y fortalecer las prescripciones en materia de notificación, prevista en los 
Acuerdos de la OMC, ¿Acaso el Gobierno de Estados  Unidos ha notificado detalladamente, a las 
diferentes ins tancias de la OMC, toda a la madeja de regulaciones del bloqueo contra Cuba, desde 
su establecimiento hasta la actualidad, incluidas la Ley de 1992 (Ley Torricelli), la Ley Helms -Burton 
firmada el 12 de marzo de 1996, entre otras; así como las medidas recr udecidas durante la 
administración de Donald Trump , aún vigentes ?  
4.757.   Si profundizamos en el cumplimiento de las obligaciones de notificación por parte del 
Gobierno de los Estados  Unidos de las disposiciones sobre el bloqueo contra Cuba y otra s, se 
evidenciar ía el sostenido incumplimiento de sus obligaciones como Miembro de la OMC . 
4.758.   El bloqueo recrudecido en extremo continúa siendo el elemento central que define la política 
de los Estados  Unidos hacia Cuba.  Como hemos exigido desde hace más de seis décadas, Cub a 
reclama a los Estados  Unidos eliminar , de una vez y por todas , su política discriminatoria e 
injustificada de bloqueo contra Cuba , y en su lugar,  reestablecer  un comercio justo y equilibrado con 
nuestro país, de acuerdo con las normas y regulaciones de l a OMC . 
NEPAL  
4.759.   My delegation warmly welcomes the U .S. delegation led by H .E. Ambassador 
María Luisa Pagán and commends her for the insightful highlights of the 15th Trade Policy Review of 
the United  States.   
4.760.   We thank H .E. Ms Cheryl  K. Spencer, Ambassador of  Jamaica as discussant of the Review.  
4.761.   My delegation thanks the Government of the U .S. and the WTO Secretariat for the valuable 
Reports.  
4.762.   The United  States being the global leader on several fronts including trade, my delegation 
highly values the U .S. continued commitment to and active participation in the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.763.   We also commend the U .S. openness to international trade and its integration into the global 
economy.  
4.764.   We are pleased to take good note of the real GDP increase in 2021 following an efficient 
recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic as a result of timely adoption of necessary support measures 
by the U .S. Government.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.765.   The U .S. Government 's initiatives in reforming trade and investment regimes with a 
particular focus on worker -centred trade policy remain praiseworthy.  
4.766.   The reform initiatives have understandably contributed towards simplifying regulations, 
increasing transparency, encouraging trade and improving the business climate via regulatory, 
institutional mechanism such as President 's Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiation, 
and Policy Advisory Committee along with Rapid Response Mechanism.  
4.767.   We also take good note of the U .S. trade agenda on (i)  worker -centred trade policy; 
(ii) implementation of trade agreements;  (iii) accelerating decarbonization and promoting 
sustainable environmental practices; and (iv)  combatting the COVID -19 pandemic through 
production and donation of COVID -19 vaccine.  
4.768.   Let me turn to the bilateral front.  Nepal and the U .S. have been enjoying cordial relations 
ever since we established diplomatic relations in 1947.  
4.769.   The U .S. is one of the first countries to extend development assistance to Nepal. Various 
sectors benefiting from this development assistance include transport, communication, public  health, 
malaria eradication, agriculture, forestry, and energy. Nepal expresses sincere appreciation to the 
U.S. Government for being an important and reliable development partner in Nepal 's over 
seven -decade development endeavours.  
4.770.   In the area of invest ment, the U .S. is among the largest investors in Nepal. Similarly, the 
U.S. remains one of the largest sources of visitors in Nepal. The growing number of Nepali students 
and Nepali diaspora in the U .S. has expanded people -to-people relations.  
4.771.    On trade fr ont, the U .S. is an important trading partner of Nepal. Nepal is benefiting from 
the provision of Nepal Trade Preference Program NTPP under the Trade Facilitation and Trade 
Enforcement Act of 2015 (TFTEA) on 77 - 8-digit tariff lines. This provision is for until 
31 December  2025.  
4.772.    My delegation highly appreciates the U .S. for this provision and request for its continuation 
for few more years in view of the critical need for sustaining Nepal 's graduation from LDC status in 
2026 especially in the aftermath of the pandemic and global food and fuel crises.  
4.773.   Based on the primary  data, Nepal has imported from the U .S. goods worth of NPR 35 billion 
in 2021 while it has exported to the U .S. goods amounted to NPR 15.6 billion in the same year.  
4.774.   The trade data shows a significant trade gap in Nepal 's bilateral trade with the U .S. Howe ver, 
this can also be an opportunity for further collaboration and cooperation on reducing the gap by 
further exploring and exploiting trade potentials for mutual benefit.  
4.775.   In the context of Nepal 's targets for meeting LDC graduation by 2026, SDGs and 
middle-income country by 2030, my delegation underlines the importance of the U .S. enhanced 
support to Nepal in the areas of agriculture and agro -business, joint venture in industries and 
hydropower, trade, tourism, ICT , and transfer of technology.  
4.776.   Nepal looks  forward to strengthening its relations with the U .S. in the days ahead.  
4.777.   My delegation wishes a successful Trade Policy Review of the United  States.  
JORDAN  
4.778.   We would like to join other delegations in thanking and congratulating the U.S. delegation 
headed b y H.E. Ambassador María  Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative for the efforts exerted 
in the preparation of the Trade Policy Review and Report.  
4.779.   Our appreciation is also extended to the discussant for his introductory remarks, and the 
secretariat for the comprehensive Report.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.780.   The Report provide valuable information for the period under review and reveal positive 
indicators in many aspects, highlight the solidarity and resilience of U.S. economic and trade policy 
towards global trade openness and economic growth, which is translated in the active and continuous 
engagement of the United  States in negotiations within the WTO framework, and other international 
areas.  
4.781.   The long -standing  and deeply -rooted relationship between Jordan and the United  States 
witnessed many milestones, one of the most notable and vivid example is the bilateral free trade 
agreement between Jordan and the U.S. FTA which entered into force in the year 2001. The FTA 
contributed to the growth of bilateral trade to about six folds as compared to its size at the time of 
entry into force of the FTA. Trade exchange between Jordan and United  States today exceeds 
USD 3.6 billion in 2021.  
4.782.   Our bilateral relations were cemented by continuous U.S. Government support directed 
towards eco nomic development at a bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.  
4.783.   The Government of Jordan further appreciates U.S. support especially during international 
or regional political and economic crises. This support assisted Jordan in its efforts to sustain its 
economy and trade, to meet the needs of refugees, and to meaningfully assist in the recovery from 
the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.784.   Jordan attaches great importance to its relations with the U.S. and is confident of them 
holding further promising o pportunities ahead for both countries.  
4.785.   Finally, Jordan congratulates again the U .S. Government and the business society for their 
efforts and valuable contribution in the world trade hand in hand with other trading partners. We 
wish the United  States a fru itful and successful Trade Policy Review.  
BANGLADESH  
4.786.   At the outset, Bangladesh delegation welcomes Ambassador María  Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade 
Representative and Chief of Mission in Geneva , as head of delegation, thanks for your presentation 
at the ir 15th TPR. We also thank Ambassador H.E. Cheryl  K. Spencer (Jamaica) , for the insightful 
discussion and  thoughtful comments. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Government of the 
United  States a nd the WTO Secretariat for the comprehensive reports.  
4.787.   This 15th Trade Policy Review of the United  States taking place following the COVID -19 
pandemic, which covers a period of great international economic instability. As an open economy 
with strong ties wi th international community, the U.S. has also been hit by adverse effec ts of 
COVID -19, supply chain disruptions , and other shocks . 
4.788.   After a period of stable, economic growth in 2018 -19, the real GDP of the U .S. contracted 
by 3.4% in 2020, after 11  consecuti ve years of expansion . It is encouraging to see that prudent 
macroeconomic  policies and measures adopted by the countr y have resulted in impressive economic 
growth and remarkable improvement in almost all indexes within a short period.  Since the last TPR, 
relatively strong economic fundamentals and solid buffers  to external shocks have helped the 
country to maintain macroeconomic stability. The economy experienced a rapid rebound in  2021, 
aided by the support package put  in place by the Government and by ea sing monetary conditions.   
4.789.   The United  States is a firm supporter  of the  multilateral tra ding system , actively engage d at 
WTO and took leadership role in various WT O activities . Bangladesh welcomes  the United  States'  
trade policy priority on multilateral, non -discriminatory  rules, complemented by a goal of continuous 
expansion and deepening of trade relations, through r egional  and bilateral approaches.  We expect 
more U .S. leadership in reducing gap in the level of dev elopment between nations and to prom oting 
the further integration of developing and least -developed countries into the global economy . 
4.790.   Bilateral trade between the U .S. and Bangladesh was over USD  10 billion in 2021, our total 
apparel export to U .S. was USD  4.9 billion in 2010, which reached USD  7.3 billion during 2021. While 
Bangladesh seeks to improve labour safety, it has also invested heavily on green factories, 
Bangladesh ready -made garments industry now has 155 green factories with certification from t he 
U.S. Green building Council. Leadership in energy and environment design that is Lead. Seven out WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  of the top 10 leads certified factories worldwide are in Bangladesh. But Bangladesh exports, face 
high level of tariff in entering the U .S. market, about 88 %, of the exports from Bangladesh to the 
U.S. in its RMG products which have been facing around 15% greater average tariff, much higher 
than other competitors, mostly less than 10%. U .S. tariff design did not change significantly during 
the review period a nd the simple average tariff rate remains low, at 4.8% of overall in 2021. This 
high tariff rates applied on Bangladesh RMG need to be rationalized.  
4.791.   However, Bangladesh i production  not getting GSP facilities  since 20 13. 
4.792.   The increase of  buyers  in some count ries and the safety  improvement in our R&D sector in 
the recent year resulting in buyers' boosted  confidence in Bangladesh,  and the U .S. buyers are 
increasingly leaning towards Bangladesh to source their merchandise.  U.S.-based brands  and 
importers can avail the opportunity of low costs but quality Bangladeshi apparels are produced from 
U.S. Cotton.  This can be done by invoking Article  9.2(a) of WTO Facilitation Agreement which allows 
governments for outward processing, may be reimport ed with total or partial exception from the 
import duties and taxes and granting GSP facilities  to the Bangladesh products for the mutual 
benefits . 
4.793.   Bangladesh offers industrial friendly and congenial  climate for the foreign investors , and 
almost all sector s allowed for investment without any capping.  
4.794.   Bangladesh is a signatory of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency , Overseas Private 
Corporation, to  ease investment from paying double -taxation. Bangladesh has signed avoidance of 
double -taxation treati es with many countries, including the U .S., for promotion and protection of 
investment . The Government of Bangladesh has taken initiative to establish 100  economic zones  in 
the country to create structured and balanced  investments . Investors  from the U.S. may consider 
establishing economic zones as joint developer or set up industries within the already developed 
economic zones as unit investors.  
4.795.   The U.S. also takes  the opportunity to develop sector specific special economic zone in the 
energy and petro chemical , ship-building, recycling, IT, tourism, apparel textile, agro -processing,  
etc. 
4.796.   To conclude, Bangladesh  delegation  wishes a productive and successful  TPR of the U.S. Our 
delegation will continue to work closely with the U.S. delegation to strengthen the multilateral tra ding 
system , while we strive to enhance our bilateral trade  and investment.  
NIGERIA  
4.797.   Nigeria wishes to congratulate the entire delegation of United  States fo r the conduct of its 
15th Trade Policy Review exercise. We commend the Head of the Delegation, Ambassador 
María  L. Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and Chief of Mission Geneva, with other Members 
of her team for their determination and dedication fo r this important exercise. We also thank the 
discussant, Ambassador Cheryl Spencer of Jamaica for her insightful analysis and comments. We 
commend the WTO Secretariat and the Government of the United  States for the comprehensive 
Reports.  
4.798.   At bilateral level , Nigeria and the United  States have over the years experienced very strong 
economic, cultural and political ties, via a number of trade and economic cooperation arrangement 
which include Trade and Investment Framework Agreement; Bi -National Commission, an d 
Commercial Investment Dialogue. Nigeria is also beneficiary of Africa Growth and Opportunity Act 
(AGOA) which is the cornerstone of U .S.-Africa preferential engagement on trade and investment. 
Nigeria appreciates the contribution of AGOA to Africa ' devel opment in promoting export of several 
products including textile and apparel, leather products, agro -processing products from the 
sub-Saharan African countries to the United  States. We look forward to an enduring partnership 
between the United  States, Nige ria, ECOWAS as well as entire Africa.  
4.799.   Nigeria notes that the United  States trade policy is very important to the entire Membership 
of the WTO, being the biggest trading partner of many of the WTO Members, including Nigeria and 
as a major player, the trade policies and practices of the United  States have direct impacts on the 
economies of most of the WTO Members. It is interesting to note that the macro -economic policies WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  during the period under review have actively supported United  States economy in stimulat ing 
economic growth, particularly to recover from the extreme recession brought upon by trade 
distortions associated with the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.800.   We commend the Government of the United  States for the courage and resilience towards 
global response to the C OVID -19 pandemic which has placed tremendous strain on peoples' health 
and livelihoods around the world, to address the pandemic, at home and abroad. These efforts 
include COVID -19 vaccine donations through COVAX and other fora, investment in vaccine 
produ ction and delivery infrastructure in underserved regions and working with trading partners to 
facilitate the flow of goods, leveraging the critical role of digital trade and digitally supported services 
in meeting the challenges of the pandemic and support ing economic resilience across the globe.  
4.801.   It is interesting to note that the outlook for the entire 2022 remains positive despite the 
global challenges. As captured in the U .S. Government report, U.S. real GDP growth is forecasted to 
be 1.4%, 1.8%, and 2.0% for 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively. The strong economic recovery 
to date has been primarily driven by increases in consumption and investment. However, 
pandemic -induced c hanges in behaviour led to relatively more demand for goods than services, both 
domestically produced and imported. Nigeria is pleased with the U.S. fiscal support measures which 
directly supported firms and workers as well as state and local governments.  
4.802.   We note the United  States ' commitment towards the preservation and strengthening of the 
role of the WTO to be well -functioning Organization rule -based system through the WTO reform 
agenda. The reform agenda which includes restoring efficacy to the negotia ting arm and promoting 
transparency; improving compliance with and enforcement of Members' WTO commitments; and 
equipping the Organization to effectively address the unfair practices of non -market economies, 
including WTO's dispute settlement function.  
4.803.   We applaud United  States Government 's Trade -Related Capacity -Building Initiatives, aim at 
the widest participation among developing and least developed countries; and, ultimately, ensuring 
that the benefits of open and transparent trade regimes are realized, being facilitated through the 
WTO-Related U.S. Trade -Related Assistance. We look forward to continuous collaboration in that 
regard.  
4.804.   In conclusion, Nigeria would like to acknowledge the effort of the United  States Government 
once again for different fiscal  policies and programmes to stimulate economic growth and sustainable 
development especially post pandemic recovery. It is equally gratifying to note how United  States 
places an importance to the promotion of the multilateral trading system. It is our expe ctation that 
the U .S. would continue to provide the necessary leadership along with other major players toward 
the successful implementation of the MC12 Geneva package and resuscitation of the DSB and an 
anticipated WTO reform exercise.  
4.805.   On this note, we w ish delegation of United  States a successful 15th Trade Policy Review.  
GEORGIA  
4.806.   At the outset, we would like to extend a warm welcome to the U.S. delegation led by 
H.E. Ambassador Pag án and thank them and the WTO Secretariat for the preparatory work they 
have carried out for this Trade Policy Review.  
4.807.   We would also like to thank the discussant for her insightful remarks and observations.  
4.808.   This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of di plomatic relations between Georgia and the 
United  States. The United  States has been a key strategic ally and a valued partner of Georgia since 
the very beginning of our regained independence and we greatly appreciate its significant 
contribution in streng thening Georgia 's democracy, security, defence capabilities and economic 
growth throughout these three decades.  
4.809.   The strength of our bilateral relationship is asserted in the U.S. -Georgia Charter on Strategic 
Partnership. A robust strategic cooperation, ba sed on our shared values and common interests, is 
demonstrated through very close and solid partnership between our countries across diverse 
spectrum of realms.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.810.   Georgia acknowledges the important leadership role the United  States, as the largest single 
economy, plays in the development and further strengthening of a rules -based multilateral trading 
system. We would hereby applaud the U .S. Government for its unwavering support and commitment 
to the core values and principles underpinning the multilateral tra ding system and for its active and 
constructive engagement in ongoing multilateral and plurilateral negotiations under the auspices of 
the WTO.  
4.811.   We would also like to use this opportunity and commend the United  States for its exemplary 
notification record under various WTO bodies during the review period, namely in areas like: 
agriculture, GATS, trade remedies, SPS, TBT, trade facilitation, rules of origin, subsidies, state 
trading, IPRs, import licensing, etc.  
4.812.   As we have mentioned, Georgia and the United  States enjoy robust, wide ranging and 
mutually beneficial bilateral relations. The bilateral trade has been steadily growing between our two 
countries during the review period except for a slight downturn trend caused by the global C OVID -19 
pandemic in 2020 . 
4.813.   The U.S. is Georgia 's fifth largest trading partner, with total trade amounted to 
USD 984 million in 10 months of 2022, which represents a 45% increase. Georgia 's total export to 
U.S. market has grown by 71% and amounted to USD 258.8  million, while the import from the 
United  Stated has increased by 38% constituting USD 725.3  million. So, the United  States 
represents Georgia 's seven th largest export market and the fourth biggest source of imports.  
4.814.   We are pleased that since the 1990’s, first OPIC and now DFC investments in Georgia have 
been made in a great diversity of sectors, among them – infrastructure, education, tourism, 
agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and others. Additionall y, hundreds of U.S. companies 
successfully operate within the business -friendly environment in Georgia.  
4.815.   Nowadays, the Russia n Federation' s unjustified war against Ukraine has far -reaching 
negative consequences in many vital areas across the globe, primari ly in economy, trade, energy 
and food security. Hence, in these challenging circumstances, we would welcome broader U.S. 
engagement in projects of regional importance in Georgia and thus, increased U.S. presence in this 
strategically significant region.  
4.816.   Georgia stands ready to further enhance our strategic partnership with the United  States 
through various measures including but not limited to further intensifying high -level political 
dialogue, security cooperation as well as bolstering our trade, investmen t, and economic ties. 
Georgia is and will remain the close and reliable partner of the United  States.  
4.817.   Furthermore, we look forward to further cooperation with the United  States on all fronts – 
bilaterally or multilaterally – to pursue our shared goal of a fair, open and predictable global 
economy.  
4.818.   Finally, we would like to wish the U .S. delegation the fruitful discussions and a successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
PERÚ  
4.819.   El Perú saluda a la Sra. Embajadora María  Pagán, Representante Permanente de 
Estados  Unidos  ante la OMC, y a toda su delegación. Asimismo, se suma a los agradecimientos 
expresados por otras delegaciones por el informe presentado sobre el desempeño macroeconómico 
y su régimen de política comercial en ocasión de su décimo quinto  examen de política co mercial. 
Igualmente, agradecemos a la Secretaría por el informe alcanzado a los Miembros y a la Embajadora 
Spencer por sus acertados y precisos comentarios como ponente.  
4.820.   El Perú saluda que Estados  Unidos renueve su compromiso con el comercio internacional y 
la tarea de hacerlo más justo e inclusivo, de modo que todos podamos beneficiarnos de él en favor 
del desarrollo y la prosperidad de nuestros pueblos.  
4.821.   Ahora, permítame referirme brevemente a la relación comercial del Perú con Estados  Unidos , 
nuestro segu ndo socio comercial en el mundo.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.822.   Nuestro comercio bilateral recuperó en 2021 los niveles previos a la pandemia, superando 
los US D 16.000 millones.  
4.823.   En 2021 la exportación peruana a Estados  Unidos  creció en un 16% gracias a la mayor venta 
de productos textiles y confecciones, así como algunos productos agrícolas como fresas, arándanos 
y paltas. Mientras que nuestras importaciones desde Estados  Unidos  aumentaron en un 43% en el 
mismo año, por la may or adquisición de combustibles y bienes agrícolas como maíz amarillo y trigo.  
4.824.   Esta promisoria dinámica va acompañada de estrechos lazos políticos y culturales, fruto de 
las históricas relaciones bilaterales, nuestra cooperación y los intereses económicos que 
compartimos.  
4.825.   Como una muestra de la importancia de nuestra relación económica, el Perú y 
Estados  Unidos  disponemos de un Tratado de Libre Comercio en vigor desde 2009, que ha permitido 
la creación de un marco idóneo para el desarrollo y el crecimiento  del comercio entre nuestros 
pueblos.  
4.826.   Para el Perú, este tratado de libre comercio establece reglas de juego claras, con un marco 
transparente y previsible, que permite mantener y fomentar un intercambio bilateral ordenado, y 
atiende los intereses naciona les de ambas partes. Asimismo, brinda una señal positiva a los 
inversionistas, ayudando a elevar su interés en nuevas iniciativas en nuestros mercados.  
4.827.   El Perú toma nota de diversos puntos contenidos en los informes que forman parte del 
presente examen. E ntre los que queremos destacar de manera positiva el esfuerzo de la Oficina de 
Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza por modernizar sus procedimientos aduaneros, incluyendo 
novedades en la aplicación de la ventanilla única.   
4.828.   Pasando al sistema multilateral, val oramos debidamente que este examen haya servido de 
marco para que Estados  Unidos  renueve su compromiso con la estabilidad y la solidez del sistema 
multilateral de comercio, dado que su mantenimiento y fortalecimiento sólo estará garantizado 
mediante el com promiso de todos los Miembros con el cumplimiento de las obligaciones que hemos 
acordado.  
4.829.   Saludamos el activo rol y los esfuerzos de Estados  Unidos  en este foro, y estamos 
convencidos de que está listo para asumir el rol que le corresponde, de acuerdo con la envergadura 
de su economía y sus capacidades, con las responsabilidades que ello conlleva en el marco del 
sistema de comercio internacional.  
4.830.   Agradecemos la disposición de Estados  Unidos  al diálogo y su notoria participación en las 
negociaciones de diver sos aspectos de la agenda de esta Organización, por lo que los alentamos a 
mantener el esfuerzo de cara a la próxima Conferencia Ministerial  
4.831.   Habiendo señalado estos importantes puntos, solo me resta agradecer a la delegación 
Estados  Unidos  por este ejercic io, y desearle un exitoso examen de sus políticas comerciales.  
MOROCCO  
4.832.   The delegation of Morocco wishes a very warm welcome to the honourable delegation of the 
United  States of America, led by H.E.  Ambassador María  Pagán, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative 
and Chief of Mission in Geneva. We thank both, the Government of the U .S. and the Secretariat, for 
their insightful and detailed Reports, as well as H.E.  Ambassador Cheryl  K. Spencer (Jamaica)  for 
her com ments as a discuss ant. 
4.833.   Morocco and th e United  States have a long history of working together bilaterally and 
regionally. As you may know, Morocco was the first country to recognize the newly independent 
United  States opening its ports to American ships by decree of Sultan  Mohammed  III in 1777 . 
Morocco formally recognized the United  States by signing a treaty of peace and friendship in 1786, 
a document that remains the longest unbroken relationship in U.S. history following the American 
Congress.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.834.   Nowadays, more than 150  U.S. companies operate in Morocco , particularly in renewable 
energy, infrastructure, aviation,  and environmental technology sectors.  
4.835.   In 2006, Morocco entered into force free trade agreement with the U .S., since  its entry  into 
force Moroccan exports to the U.S.  have more than doubled, and the United States' exports to 
Morocco have more than quadrupled. The  period between 2006 and 2021 shows a positive trend  in 
bilateral commercial relations . Since  2006, year of entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement, 
comme rcial exchanges  between Morocco and the U.S. have known a clear evolution by reaching 
USD 4.35 billion in 2021 against only USD  1.17 billion in 2006. The year 2022 saw the volume of 
trade with the United  States  reach USD  3.3 billion with around USD  700 million for  exports, and  
USD 2.6 billion for imports.  
4.836.   As for American direct investment in Morocco, this has increased significantly in the period  
between 2015  and 2018, while between 2020 and 2021 they have fallen following the fallout of the 
international s ocio-economic  and geopolitical situation.  
4.837.   Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that following the historical recognition by the 
United  States of America of Morocco's sovereignty over the Saharan provinces  in 2020, a 
considerable amount of investment i n Morocco and Sub -Saharan Africa has been allocated and will 
be provided  by the U .S. International Development Finance Corporation with Moroccan partners.  
4.838.   Morocco is committed to play an important role in the U .S.-Africa relationship, as emphasized 
by the Moroccan Chief of Government in the Africa -U.S. Summit held in Washington DC this  week, 
Morocco makes  its experience and expertise available to strengthen the economic and commercial 
partnership between its African  continent and the United  States.  
4.839.   In short, the assessment of the cooperation between Morocco and the United  States 
(qualifies as positive, an observation, which is justified by the development of several projects in 
various sectors of activity for investm ent and strengthening of Morocco's role as economic hub.  on 
the African continent.  
4.840.   In the other hand, Morocco appreciates and supports the  U.S. commitment to the multilateral 
trading system, mainly by launching frank and constructive dialogue on the DSB re form. Moreover, 
we are looking forward to a more constructive  engagement from the U .S. to improve the multilateral 
trading system functioning  and to reform it as necessary, in order to make it more inclusive , more 
equitable , more transparent,  and sustainab le development -oriented.  
4.841.   Lastly, Morocco wishes a successful and fruitful TPR to the United  States.  
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA  
4.842.   Let me also star by joining others in welcoming H.E.  María  Págan, Deputy U.S. Trade 
Representative and Chief of Mission in Geneva, and the entire delegation to this Trade Policy 
Transparency Exercise. I would also like to greet and welcome the discussant, Ambassador 
Cheryl  K. Spencer, for the insightful introductory remarks, as well as her work and efforts during 
this exercise. I would al so like to extend my delegation's appreciation to the Secretariat for their 
efforts in drafting such a complex and lengthy Report . 
4.843.   As a general remark and stated in the Secretariat Report, I am pleased to note that the U .S. 
economy is among the most intern ationally integrated worldwide given its production of value added 
and competitive products and services. As many other Members stated in the first day of this review, 
with almost 14% of global GDP, the United  States  remains the world's largest and is one of the most 
influential economies, and is a major trading partner to most WTO Members.  
4.844.   Furthermore , the Republic of Moldova notes with appreciation the United  States ' efforts to 
support MSMEs focused on strengthen export capacities of MSMEs sector and the ir 
internationalization, as well as new policies to cope with  climate change, improve ecological 
environment protection , and promote sustainable development.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.845.   Also, w e are commending the participation in JSIs within the WTO, particularly noticing the 
active participation in discussions on international rules for digital trade and the free flow  of data 
and challenges of regulatory  differences . 
4.846.   On the bilateral cooperation level, Moldova -U.S. bilateral relations are currently regulated 
by almost 62  bilateral treaties or arrangements , memorand a or amendments  and declarations, in 
various fields, the main one of the economic nature is the one on mutual protection and promotion 
of the investments and  avoidance of doub le taxation,  as well as the unilateral trade preferences 
offered by the U.S. through GSP.  Given the recent importance of preferences granted to the Republic 
of Moldova through GSP, the Republic of Moldova hopes that the U .S. will consider extending this 
regime as it previously did  in similar situation.  
4.847.   Currently, I have to say that U .S. ranks on the 16th place among the Republic of Moldova' s 
top trading partners, and it has improved our trade, registering a positively increase over the last 
review, for exam ple, for the period or the statistics for January -September 2023 shows that we had 
an increase of around 34% in our bilateral trade compared  the previous year. With 60% for exports 
and 28% when it comes to imports. Still, is there is a huge potential to th is because when we look 
at, not in percentage but at the value of these exports and of the trade, there is much to work on, 
and we still consider this is a modest bilateral trade and economic relation and there is a significant 
potential for further develo pment. According to some of our assessments, the Republic of Moldova 
has a great exports potential on the U .S. market when it comes to agricultural products, such as 
wine or fresh grapes, apple  juices , sunflower seeds, and so on.  
4.848.   These improved trade flows , particularly in fresh apples, for example, or grapes, would  be 
of great help to our farmers which currently are facing major challenges, being several affected by 
the wa r in Ukraine.  
4.849.   Another aspect on the investment side, there are currently 3 51 American enterprises active 
in the Republic of Moldova, and we are pleased to see an increasing trend of U .S. direct investment 
in the Republic of  Moldova, but still there is a strong feeling that  much more could be done, U.S. 
ranks now 15 among main  investors in the Republic of Moldova.  
4.850.   On another note, similar to many other Members in this house, U .S. remains among the 
major donors for the Republic of Moldova, and the Republic of Moldova highly appreciates and 
welcomes the assistance offered d uring all these years by U .S. through  different development 
partners, and notably the programmes targeted and directed to our trade development. I would 
particularly like to refer to one of the projects that concerns the support given by the USAID in the  
develop ment of IT industry in the Republic of Moldova, that has registered quite an increase lately . 
4.851.   I would also like to refer to the support that was granted again via  the USAID to the 
development of e -commerce  in the Republic of Moldova, so we have been having several 
program mes developed in the country with the support of the United  States, so the digitalization of 
the national economy and the development of e -commerce, both internal and external  is a priority 
of our country, and in this context, the support was very much needed and appreciated . 
4.852.   On a different note, also related to our cooperation and trade, I have referred already to our 
interest to benefit or to have an extending of the regime of the GSP, and I would like to draw 
particularly the attention of th e U.S. delegation  on the importance for the Republic of Moldova now 
to have an increased trade when it comes to food and agricultural products as they have been in 
particular affected by the war in Ukraine.  The Republic of Moldova has lost important  markets, 
eastern market s, not only the Ukrainian market but other countries from eastern  side including the 
Russian  Federation and Belarus, for  example, which were about our top exported p roducts from 
when we talk about agriculture products, for example, 100% of  our apples were going to the almost 
100% depended on the Russian market. (Equally farmers transporters, all our supply chains, have 
been affected by this war, and it is not only the agri -food sector, but also construction, wood 
processing, metal processin g and another fields of our economy.  
4.853.   Bearing that in mind, considering the new realities, the Republic of Moldova would hardly 
appreciate U.S. further support in overcoming the current economic situation, and as I have already 
indicated  through the extension of GSP scheme.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  4.854.   To conclude, on behalf of the delegation of the Republic of Moldova, I would like to 
congratulate the U.S. delegation for th e conclusion and for the conduction  of this TPR . 
EGYPT  
4.855.   At the outset, allow me at the outset to join previous speakers in congratulating the 
delegation of the United  States of America, led by H.E.  María  Luisa Pagán , Deputy U.S. Trade 
Representative and Chi ef of Mission in Geneva , and her team, on the successful completion of the 
15th Trade Policy Review and the hard work done on this exercise . 
4.856.   We would also like to express our appreciation to the U .S. Administration, as well as the 
WTO Secretariat for the c omprehensive Reports. We thank H.E.  Ambassador Cheryl  K. Spencer 
(Jamaica) for  her useful and insightful remarks and observations on her capacity as discussant.  
4.857.   The U .S. is a major economy and a key player in the multilateral trading system. The U .S. 
is am ong the world's largest agricultural exporters, the top producer and exporter of goods and 
services, that embody  intellectual property, the largest insurance market in the world; and one of 
the world's largest healthcare sectors. It is also a key player in  e-commerce and digital economy 
worldwide. These facts compounded with a highly integrated  economy with the rest of the world,  
make the U .S. one of the key actors that impacts and directs  the global economy and international 
trade. 
4.858.   On the bilateral level, we share excellent relations and strategic partnership with the U .S. 
on all levels. On the economic and trade side, the U .S. is one of Egypt's largest trading partners, 
with trade flows, volume -exceeding USD  9 billion in 2021. Furthermore, Egyptian exports  to the U.S. 
have raised by 10.6% in the first quarter of 2022. Our imports from the U .S. have increased by 
22.8% compared to the same period last year. The U .S. is also among the top six investors in Egypt, 
with total investme nts amounting  to USD  4.5 billion.  
4.859.   In addition, Egypt has benefited from U .S. funding for COVID -19 response, which reached 
nearly USD 22 million this year.  
4.860.   Furthermore, we would like to indicate that the fifth round  of the Trade and Investment 
Framework Ag reement (TIFA) between Egypt and the U .S. was concluded earlier this month, in 
Cairo-Egypt, this work framework is one of the main mechanisms aiming at fostering bilateral 
economic  and trade relations  between both countries. The round discussed  several iss ues of common 
interest, such as access of Egyptian agriculture products to American markets, lifting the ban on 
shipping goods, opening new shipping r outes on Egypt air flights headed to the U.S. I n addition to 
renewing the work of the GSP. T he discussions  also stressed the need to  enhance cooperation on 
several other issues, such as taxes, customs, food  security, intellectual property, and information 
communication technology.  
4.861.   The fifth round of TIFA has built  on the outcomes of the fruitful  meeting held b etween the 
leaders of the two countries on the margin of COP2 7, held last November  in Sharm El -Sheikh, Egypt, 
where the two leaders agreed on the need to advance cooperation , to accelerate international efforts 
to combat climate change , and to find solutio ns to global  challenges related to economic and food 
and insecurity.  
4.862.   On another note, we look forward to further engaging bilaterally with the U .S. delegation on 
several issues of concern,  which may have implications on our exports access to the American 
markets, such as the changes made on the U .S. GSP; the U .S. aluminium import monitoring  and 
analysis  system, the U .S. support provided to increase American -made fertilizer production  
production under the fertilizer p roduct expansion programme, the U .S. Department of Energy's 
funding program me to support electric vehicle technologies, the expansion of the scope of 
Section  232, steel and aluminium tariffs to cover the derivatives of these products. We  look forward 
to handling these issues in light of the cordial relations between our countries . 
4.863.   On the multilateral level, we welcome the initiative led by the United  States to reform the 
Dispute Settlement Mechanism. We are engaging actively in the process to reflect the concerns of 
developing countries, espe cially from the African continent, and in a way that would address WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  systematic obstacles that render  the system inaccessible to the majority of our nations,  while 
emphasiz ing the importance of the restoration of the Appellate  Body.  
4.864.   Finally, we wish the del egation of the United  States a  successful 15th Trade Policy Review.  
CAMEROUN A U NOM DU GROUPE AFRICAIN  
4.865.   Je prononce cette déclaration au nom de l'Ambassadeur du Cameroun coordinateur du 
groupe Africain.  
4.866.   Le Groupe africain se réjouit de prendre part à ce XVème examen de la politique commerciale 
des États -Unis. 
4.867.   Nous tenons à féliciter la délégation des États -Unis à travers l'ambassadrice, Son Excellence 
Mme. María Pagán pour les efforts consentis dans l'occasion de leur XVème examen des politiques 
commerciales. Nous saluons le dévouement actif et important des États -Unis au système commercial 
multilatéral depuis la création de l'OMC en 1995. Nous remercions également le Secrétariat de l'OMC 
pour son rapport et la présentatrice son excellence, Mme . Cheryl  K. Spencer de la Jamaïque.  
4.868.   Sur la base des informations contenues dans les deux rapports d'examens des politiques 
commerciales, nous notons avec satisfaction que sur la p ériode considérée qui va d'octobre  2018 à 
juin 2022, marquée par la pandémie de COVID -19 avec des baisses historiques de la production 
dans le monde, les États -Unis ont su se relever comparé à bon nombre de pays développés en raison 
d'un déploiement précoc e et rapide des vaccins et d'un soutien budgétaire et monétaire important. 
Ces échanges, exportations et importation de marchandises et de services ont représenté 24% à 
28% de son PIB. En 2020 son PIB réel s'est contracté 3,4% après 11 années consécutives de 
croissance, grâce aux mesures de soutien mises en place par son Gouvernement, et un 
assouplissement des conditions monétaires, l'économie des États -Unis s'est redressée rapidement 
en 2021 en registrant une croissance du PIB réel de 5,7%.  
4.869.   Nous féliciton s le gouvernement des États-Unis pour ses réformes qui ont conduit à une 
maitrise efficiente des effets de la crise sanitaire mondiale. Nous notons que les États-Unis ont une 
économie très ouverte au monde et profondément intégrée au système multilatéral. Ils sont acquis 
à 14 accords de libre -échange portant sur le commerce avec 20  pays. Le principal changement 
intervenu pendant la période considérée et la conclusion et la mise en œuvre de l'accord visé avec 
le Canada et le Mexique, l'Accord États-Unis-Mexique-Canada qui est entré en vigueur en 
juillet  2020.  
4.870.   Les accords de libres échanges avec la Rép ublique  de Corée et le Maroc, ont aussi fait l'objet 
de quelques changements concernant les préférences unilatérales. Le programme EGP a expiré en 
décembre 2020  et n'avait toujours pas été reconduit en mars  2022. Le renouvèlement des 
préférences étiques de la loi de partenariat commercial avec le bassin des Caraïbes a été prolongé 
jusqu’à 2030, d'autres accords concernant des questions commerciales ont été conclu s pendant la 
période considérée avec le Japon, la Chine et l'UE couvrant différents produits ou sujets.  
4.871.   Le groupe Africain se réjouit des discussions entamées en décembre  2021 entre la 
représentante des États -Unis pour les questions commerciales internatio nales, Mme Tae et le 
Secrétaire Générale de la Zone de libre -échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf),  suit des points 
importants, la coopération commercial États -Unis-Afrique, notamment, les moyens de soutenir les 
chaînes de valeurs régionales en Afrique, d'attirer des investissements positifs sur le continent et 
d'améliorer les conditions de vie des populations et des travailleurs africains.  
4.872.   Nous saluons à cet effet, l'aide gouvernemental américaine sur l'assistance technique à la 
ZLECAF et l'appui de l'a gence des États -Unis pour le développement international, ainsi que celui de 
Prosper Africa pour soutenir le protocole de l'ZLECAF sur les femmes et les jeunes.  
4.873.   Ce grand partenaire de l'Afrique comprend davantage à travers son soutien, à la mise en 
œuvre de la ZLECAF que cette zone de libre -échange offre de réelles possibilités aux pays africains, 
de répondre aux urgences et aux défis actuels du commerce et la production mondiale. Aussi, que 
cette zone de libre -échange a le potentiel de contribuer à génére r de la valeur ajoutée sur le WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  continent avec tous les avantages qu'elle apporterait en matière de diversification économique, de 
revenues plus élevées et de meilleurs emplois.  
4.874.   Nous tenons à relever, que ce grand soutien cadre avec des aspirations que nous avons 
souvent exprimé ici à l'OMC, le Groupe africain espère un soutien accru des États -Unis dans ce cadre 
pour plus de convergence et faire aboutir les négociations commerciales bloquées depuis plusieurs 
années sur le développement et la réforme agricole tant souhaité par l'Afrique. Afin de réduire le 
déséquilibre qui existe entre les différents pays, et de permettre à notre continent de mieux 
s'intégrer dans le commerce mondial.  
4.875.   Cette situation est un réveil pour nous tous, pour le besoin urgent de fisca lisation et de 
transformation structurel du continent africain conformément à l'agenda 2063 l'Afrique que Nous 
Voulons. Le sommet États -Unis-Afrique qui vient de s'achever, auquel ont pris part plusieurs de nos 
chefs d'État à Washington, en est une preuve supplémentaire que nos deux parties sont disposées 
à travailler ensemble, permettre une meilleure accessibilité des produits africains sur le marché 
américain grâce à un accès plus large aux initiatives, telle que la GOA.  
4.876.   Notre objectif principal, est donc  de parvenir avec le concours des État -Unis à un résultat 
dans tous les domaines évoqués lors de la MC13 les informations fournies dans l'occasions de cet 
examen a été de la bonne volonté de ce grand partenaire à travailler dans ce sens et avait d'avantage  
pour la réforme du système commercial multilatéral. À la suite des précédents intervenants nous 
souhaitons à la délégation des États -Unis un très bon examen de leurs politiques commerciales.   
BAHAMAS ON BEHALF OF THE CARICOM GROUP  
4.877.   This statement is made on behalf of the CARICOM Group.  
4.878.   We wish to congratulate the United  States on this the occasion of its 15th Trade Policy 
Review. We are grateful to the U .S., in particular Ambassador Pagán , her team here in Geneva, as 
well as the team at the USTR for all their efforts in the Report which has been presented to us. We 
must also applaud the efforts of the WTO Secretariat for its comprehensive Report.  
4.879.   The U .S. and CARICOM are neighbours with a  long history of generally good relations. The 
U.S. has been one of our region 's most important trading partners and for all of CARICOM combined, 
the U .S. remains our largest export market. For example, exports by CARICOM to the United  States 
in 2020 and 2 021 accounted for 30 % and 36.2 %, respectively, of its exports to the world, and 
imports from the U.S. into CARICOM amounted to 36.9 % and 34.4 % of CARICOM 's imports from all 
sources.  
4.880.   It is also important to note that the U .S. is one of our single largest s ource markets for 
tourism, we rely heavily on the U .S. for inward foreign direct investment (FDI) and we also trade a 
large number of services with the U .S., including professional services, business process outsourcing 
and financial services among others.   
4.881.   We are very pleased to see that after the economic fallout from the COVID -19 pandemic, 
that the U .S. was able to make a swift rebound. Nonetheless, we are mindful of the economic 
headwinds ahead, fuelled by record high inflation, the war in Ukraine and e nergy volatility.  
4.882.   CARICOM attaches great importance to the unilateral preferences under the Caribbean Basin 
Initiative (CBI) , Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), and the Caribbean Basin Trade 
Partnership Act (CBTPA); and to the additional prefe rences for Haiti on certain textile imports under 
quota granted under the HOPE I/II and HELP Acts.  
4.883.   In 2020, CARICOM beneficiaries gave full support to, and welcomed the renewal of the WTO 
waiver for CBI to 30  September  2030. We are grateful to the U .S. for having made this request and 
we are also grateful to the wider WTO Membership for its continued support of these kinds of 
provisions.  
4.884.   We note the findings in the WTO Secretaria t's Report that "preferential imports under the 
CBTPA doubled over the period, albeit from a small base, attributed to increases in crude petroleum 
imports largely from Guyana and that CBERA beneficiaries tend to be small economies and small WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  exporters, often constrained by  infrastructure issues, and thus trade under CBERA has remained 
relatively constant with limited export diversification ".  
4.885.   Notwithstanding the Secretariat 's findings regarding limited export diversification, the 
Community in pursuance of its strategic obje ctive of building economic resilience, continues to assign 
priority to the preferential trade relationship with the United  States as a platform for building 
competitiveness and spurring investment.  
4.886.   As noted before, the CARICOM -U.S. relationship is vital fo r the region. This is reflected 
keenly in the area of financial services, where the region largely relies on the U nited States'  financial 
architecture, even for trade and commercial relationships with countries other than the U .S.  
4.887.   In fact, the financial s ervices sector, and specifically banking, continues to be a vital sector 
for the development of CARICOM economies. Given the important role of this sector in the 
Community’s growth and development, the increasing curtailment of correspondent banking 
relations (CBRs) by U .S. financial institutions, largely in response to regulatory pressures, threatens 
the CARICOM’s economic stability and its capacity to remain integrated in the global financial, trade 
and economic systems.  
4.888.   These de-risking measures disrupt the access of CARICOM States to the global payments 
and financial system, significantly impair the viability of a number of critical domestic financial and 
banking services including money transfer businesses, thereby potentially undermining financ ial 
stability and inclusion as well as economic growth. We look forward to deeper dialogue with the U .S. 
on how these issues can be amicably resolved.  
4.889.   CARICOM has a strong desire to intensify its engagement with the U .S., including through 
appropriate for a such as under the CARICOM -U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement 
(TIFA), including the Trade and Investment Council (TIC), as a framework for dialogue and 
advancing trade and investment cooperation between CARICOM and the U .S.  
4.890.   We are pleased with  the outcomes from the Summit of Americas held this past June. In 
particular, the U.S – Caribbean Partnership PACC2030 to establish a framework to elevate 
cooperation and support to Caribbean countries in climate adaption, energy, security, resilience, and  
an agreement to support agriculture initiatives.  
4.891.   In closing, we encourage the U .S. to continue to play a constructive and leadership role 
across all areas of the WTO 's work. We look forward to working with the U .S. on critical issues, such 
as WTO Reform, including the restoration of the full functioning of the WTO 's two -tiered dispute 
settlement system.  
4.892.   We wish the U .S. a successful Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNIT ED STATES  AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS  
5.1.  Thank you for joining again  today for the continuation of this 15th Trade Policy Review of the 
United  States. We appreciated that more than 60  Members offered observations.  
5.2.  I enjoyed seeing many of you last night at our reception. I realize that one colleague in 
particular may have been disappointed that we were not able to enjoy "succulent world -renowned 
lamb, washed down by California zinfandel". We'll keep that in mind for some other occasion.  
5.3.  This morning I'd like to respond briefly to several themes that we heard on Wednesday.  
5.4.  We were encouraged to hear many Members from across the development spectrum support 
the core objectives of the multilateral trading system – that trade should raise living standards. 
ensure full employment, pursue sustainable development, and protect and preserve the 
environment. There is nothing easy about achieving these objectives, but with our mutual 
commitment to meaningful and constructive engagement, we can do better here, for all of our 
people.  
5.5.  Many Members spoke about the importance of our GSP pro gramme to the development and 
advancement of their economies, and they asked about its renewal. As many of you know, the legal 
authority to reauthorize GSP lies in the U.S. Congress, which is currently deliberating on when and 
how it will update and renew the program me. I can tell you that the Office of the United  States Trade 
Representative continues to support Congress' efforts to reauthorize the GSP program me. 
5.6.  Several of our African partners called for deepening our economic relationships, bilaterally an d 
regionally. The United  States strongly supports the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade 
Area (AfCFTA), which include promoting economic policies to reduce poverty as well as regional 
economic integration through trade. This week, during the U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit, 
United  States Trade Representative Tai and AfCFTA Secretary General Mene signed a Memorandum 
of Understanding on Cooperation for Trade and Investment Between the AfCFTA Secretariat and the 
United  States. The MOU establishes an annual high -level engagement and quarterly meetings of 
technical working groups. Our shared objective is to deepen the relationship between the 
United  States, the AfCFTA Secretariat, AfCFTA member States, and related stakeholders.  
5.7.  Several partners also mentioned the importance of AGOA. I would note that this week, 
Ambassador Tai hosted trade ministers from sub -Saharan Africa for the AGOA Ministerial. She 
reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to expanding trade and investment with the continent. She also 
stated our interest in improving AGOA, including how we can increase utilization rates, particularly 
among smaller and less -developed countries. Our shared objective is to translate AGOA's 
opportunities into concrete benefits for African people in all segments of  society.  
5.8.  Some of our LDC partners in particular have noted the importance of industrialization for their 
sustainable development. We share your goal. We recognize it is challenging to find realistic paths 
toward industrialization, and that the path is ma de more difficult by unfair trading practices of some 
Members. We remain committed to finding ways to partner with you, even if the answers are  not 
obvious or easy.  
5.9.  We appreciated many Members' recognition of our strong record on transparency, which is a 
mark of trustworthiness and a fundamental expression of our commitment to fair play, to 
constructive engagement with partners large and small, and to the objectives of the multilateral 
trading system.  
5.10.  We heard wide support for our deep and productive invol vement in various joint statement 
initiatives. Today, I'm pleased to announce that the United  States  will begin to participate in the JSI 
on MSMEs.  
5.11.  We were gratified to hear many Members welcome our record of leadership and continued 
strong interest in WTO  reform, across all pillars of the organization. We heard many Members 
express appreciation for the discussions we are hosting on dispute settlement reform. We do not 
prejudge what a reformed system would look like, and we likewise ask other Members to app roach WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  these conversations with an open mind. We believe that working collectively toward a system that 
meets the needs of all Members provides the greatest chance of achieving durable, lasting reform. 
We look forward to advancing these important  conversati ons.  
5.12.  Several Members noted their concern that U.S. domestic support in agriculture had increased 
in recent years, primarily due to the Market Facilitation Program and the Coronavirus Food Assistance 
Program. I would like to note that the food assistance p rogram me was a temporary program me 
designed to minimize the negative economic impacts of COVID -19 on U.S. agriculture, while the 
market access program me was a temporary program me designed to help assist producers with 
meeting the additional costs associate d with disrupted markets for commodities targeted by 
retaliatory tariffs. In both cases, a specific amount of funding was authorized for these programs. 
That funding is no longer available and as previously stated, both programs are no longer in effect.  
5.13.  A number of Members raised concerns about the continued usage of U.S. trade remedy 
procedures. I would like to make a few brief observations. First, our system is petitioner -led, not 
government -led. Therefore, an increase or decrease in petitioners' request s is not determined by 
the government. Second, the size of the U.S. market, coupled with relatively low tariffs, make us a 
more attractive target for others to dump their goods on our market. Third, a few Members continue 
to confound U.S. trade remedies wi th a deeper and more worrying problem that the remedies aim 
to address – namely, injurious dumping and subsidization by others. It is important to maintain 
some perspective. While the United  States accounted for nearly 20 % of all initiated anti -dumping  
investigations from July  2019 to July  2022, 25 % of all such investigations —one quarter —were 
initiated in response to trade from one Member - China.  
5.14.  Several Members commented on the United  States' position on the essential security 
exception in Article  XXI(b) of the GATT  1994. One Member even said —without irony —that we are 
abusing the concept of national security, disregarding WTO rules, and destroying the multilateral 
trading system. But I wish to remind Members: the negotiating history of Article  XXI(b) confi rms 
the drafters intended this provision to be self -judging, and that the available remedy for such 
measures is a non -violation claim.  
5.15.  As I said in my opening statement, we do  not need to agree with each other on everything. 
But it is in our collective int erest to forge a WTO fit for the times. To that end, the United  States will 
work with any Member that is committed, as we are, to the principles and foundational objectives 
that brought us here many decades ago.  
5.16.  The United  States approaches the end of this Review with sincere appreciation for the serious 
engagement of most Members during this week, and we are grateful for the role of the Secretariat, 
the Chair, and our discussant in shepherding us through this process.  
5.17.  I mus t confess that the discussion about "destroyers" during the meeting on Wednesday 
reminded me of a band I used to listen to during my college years – George Thorogood and the 
Delaware Destroyers. One of their hits was "Bad to the Bone", which seems to fit w ith the theme of 
someone's intervention on Wednesday. They also had a mean rendition of Bo Diddley's "Who Do You 
Love?" Don't worry, not asking. By the way, I just found out they are going on tour next year.  
5.18.  On that note, as Puerto  Rico's own José  Felician o would say, "feliz navidad, prospero año y 
felicidad" , I want to wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart.'  
DISCUSSANT  
5.19.  I would like to use this opportunity to thank Ambassador Mar ía Pagán , Head of Delegation 
and her team for their hard work and constructive engagement during this Review.  
5.20.  I also thank Ambassador Pagán for her very detailed intervention which outlined the actions 
that are being undertaken by the U .S. at the domestic level. Her intervention detailed new 
developments, as well as addressed critical issues raised in the Secretariat's Report and the 
discussions during the TPR.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  5.21.  Given the significance and importance of the United  States' economy to global trade and the 
multilatera l trading system, it is unsurprising that its 15th Trade Policy Review was characterized by 
a high level of interest and participation of Members.  
5.22.  I wish to thank Members for the questions posed, the concerns raised, and the 
commendations conveyed in their  statements to the U .S. delegation.  
5.23.  As you would have heard, there were over 65  Members delivering interventions, and more 
than 2 ,000 questions posed to the U .S.  
5.24.  It is anticipated that the United  States will continue to engage with Members through various  
mechanisms, bilaterally and multilaterally as a follow -up to any outstanding questions.  
5.25.  It is clear, from my perspective, that there was wide acknowledgement of the United  States' 
positive progress in recovery from the impact of the pandemic based on the statements made, which 
cited the data presented in both the reports of the Government and the Secretariat.  
5.26.  It is also evident that the WTO's Membership values the importance of the United  States as a 
prominent stakeholder in the multilateral trading system . 
5.27.  It was noted that many interventions pointed to and emphasized the role of the United  States 
in contributing to the development and strengthening of the WTO, particularly since the 
United  States is a major trading partner for most WTO Members.  
5.28.  It is com mendable that so many delegations used their interventions to highlight the active 
participation of the United  States on a wide array of issues in the various WTO Bodies, negotiating 
groups and in the Joint Statement Initiatives.  
5.29.  Several Members highlight ed their close historical relationship with the U .S., and the various 
initiatives upon which they engaged with the United  States at the bilateral, regional, and multilateral 
levels, spanning not only trade and economic domains, but areas such as climate ch ange and 
security.  
5.30.  There was widespread acknowledgement of the United  States' active involvement in 
discussions on issues such as fisheries subsidies, agriculture, e -commerce, SPS, WTO reform and 
the TRIP S waiver, to name a few. The U .S. was commended for  its constructive engagement during 
MC12, which facilitated several of the positive outcomes which were agreed.  
5.31.  Members also expressed appreciation for the significant contribution of the U .S. to supporting 
the integration of developing countries and LDCs into the global trading system through its provision 
of trade preferences and trade -related technical and capacity -building assistance, such as Aid for 
Trade and in Trade Facilitation.  
5.32.  Specifically, it is important to acknowledge the indications by many me mbers of their 
appreciation to the U .S., for its support to their national COVID -19 response through the provision 
of vaccines and other equipment.  
5.33.  Some Members noted that the thrust of the U nited States' trade policies and action was guided 
by its "Build  Back Better" agenda, which placed workers at the centre of trade policy, as well as 
sought to address the COVID -19 pandemic, while promoting a sustainable environment and climate 
change. This includes the U .S. efforts and commitments to addressing the env ironmental challenges 
and especially for its net zero emissions no later than 2050.  
5.34.  The U .S. was called on to consider that special and differential treatment is a fundamental 
principle in the WTO and should be preserved in favour of developing and least developed Members. 
The U .S. was also urged to avoid the use of per capita income as a criteri on as it does not reflect 
accurately a country's level of development and vulnerabilities.  
5.35.  During the review, there were some concerns raised over what is labelled as unilateral 
approaches, which some Members indicated resembled protectionism.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  5.36.  The Buy Amer ica/Made in America initiative is an example of such policies which, in this case, 
was regarded by some Members as hindering access to the U nited States ' procurement market.  
5.37.  Other areas in which concerns were raised related to the Inflation Reduction Act;  the foreign 
investment security review; the Section  232 measures on steel and aluminium, the U .S. 301 tariffs, 
the application of economic sanctions, regulations that result in de -risking and de -banking policies 
by banks, which affect some developing coun tries and the increase in the use of Anti -dumping and 
Countervailing duties and their adverse impact of these on trade.  
5.38.  The Review further highlights a perception that there is a lapse on the part of the 
United  States in the implementation of WTO dispute settlement rulings, which those Members 
indicated could undermine the multilateral trading system.  
5.39.  Still on the matter of disputes, while noting positively the informal discussions which are being 
led by the United  States on dispute settlement matters, sev eral Members invited the U .S. to act with 
urgency on the full functioning of the Dispute Settlement System.  
5.40.  Given the concerns raised, one may logically conclude that the United  States will need to 
continue its dialogue with concerned Members to provide c larity on these issues as soon as possible, 
and preferably before the next Review is due.  
5.41.  Perhaps, the United  States may be of the view that resolving some of these issues may merit 
broader discussions. If that is the case, I have drawn the conclusion, ba sed on Members' 
interventions, that Members are open to having dialogue on issues that require broader engagement.  
5.42.  More broadly, it was abundantly clear that Members look forward to further strengthen their 
economic cooperation and trade with the U .S. in the future.  
5.43.  It was also clear that Members appreciated the constructive spirit with which the U .S. 
delegation engages in discussions in Geneva. These are traits that are positive for the WTO.  
5.44.  In conclusion, I was privileged to have participated as a discussant in the 15th Trade Policy 
Review of the United  States.  
5.45.  I commend the delegation led by Ambassador  Pagán, on what I perceive to be a successful 
review exercise. I wish to underscore our jo int efforts to ensure that the multilateral trading system 
remains free, fair, transparent, inclusive, and equitable, and that the WTO is strengthened and 
adequately equipped to face todays and other emerging challenges. I further wish to acknowledge 
the support rendered as well as from the WTO Secretariat team.  
5.46.  I thank all Members for their participation, as well as you, Chairman, Ambassador 
Ángel  Villalobos  Rodrίguez of Mexico, for the able way in which you steered these meetings and for 
your insightful remarks and guidance throughout this Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.47.  Let me start by expressing our appreciation to Ambassador  Pagán and the United  States ' 
delegation for the replies to the European  Union's questions . The U.S., we understand  received over 
2,000 questions of which 78 from the European  Union . We hope that the follow -up questions that 
we have submitted on government procurement and subsidies will be  continued to be answered in 
this spirit.  
5.48.  The fact that the U.S. is the largest e conomy in the world, and a main trading partner for 
many WTO M embers was clearly reflected by the numerous statements  and the interest shown  in 
this Review, i ncluding by the E uropean  Union. The defining role of the United  States has had in  
shaping the glob al trading system has been widely recognized by WTO Membership, and has raised 
higher expectations from most of WTO Members on the prominent role that the United  States should 
play within  this Organization . WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  5.49.  The European  Union once again appreciate s the cha nge of tone, compared to the last two 
U.S. TPR in 2018 and the positive bilateral trade agenda, which has replaced several years of 
disputes . 
5.50.  We salute Ambassador's Pagán d eclared commitment to the WTO and to the multilatera l 
trading system and look forwar d to working with this positive multilateral spirit with the 
United  States and the rest of the Membership going forward towards MC 13. 
5.51.  Nevertheless, I would like to point a number of concerns that are shared widely across the 
Membership . 
5.52.  First of all, there is an almost unanimous call on the U .S. to play a constructive  role in restoring 
the Dispute Settlement System  with a functioning Appellate  Body. Many M embers noted that a 
rules-based system cannot properly function without the capacity to see the rules enforced. We 
understand  that the United  States favours a reform of the WTO, including  its Dispute Settlement 
Mechanism . We hope and expect that the U .S. will be fully and constructively invested  in this effort , 
so that we can have a fully function syst em by 2 024.  
5.53.  Second, most Members are concerned about the discriminatory aspects of the IRA and its 
compatibility with WTO rules. While it was greatly appreciated that the US consulted its trading 
partners before the definition of the IRA implementing rule s, we regret that the IRA was adopted 
without a formal consultation, not even with the likeminded countries. And that the green transition 
that the Act promises to facilitate shall be in our view at the detriment of close trading partners such 
as the Europ ean Union. The United  States  did not offer the sought replies on the widely spread 
concerns around the IRA (appealing)(?) to the retrospective character of a trade policy review. The 
EU respectively notes that the IRA was conceived and discussed during the  period under review and 
reflects an idea of trade policy in line with last year's U .S. trade initiatives. We  will encourage the 
United  States to provide complete and transparent replies in order to achieve the goals of this review 
in a responsible and eff ective manner.  
5.54.  Similarly, the European  Union remains concerned with the implementation of Infrastructure 
Investment Jobs Act and the guidance to the U nited States' contracting authority on compatibility of 
the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act with the A greement on Government Procurement; in their 
reply U .S. refers to the guidance of the Act which shall apply in a manner consistent with the 
obligations of the United  States in the international agreements. Nevertheless, the E uropean  Union 
notes a de facto complexity for a procurement entity to determine whether the GPA "By American" 
provisions would apply on a given case.   
5.55.  The E uropean  Union calls on the United  States to  continue to fulfil the expectations of the 
Membership as one of the founding Members o f the GATT and the rules -based multilateral trading 
system, and to do so both by observing fully its  WTO obligations in law and in spirit, as well as by 
contributing constructively  to a collective effort to reform the multilateral trading system . 
5.56.  In conclusion, I would like to express once more the European  Union's appreciation to  the 
whole delegation of the United  States for their participation and valuable  contributions for this Trade 
Policy Review.  
CHINA  
5.57.  At the first Session, China was pleased t o hear that the United  States reiterated its 
commitment to the WTO and the multilateral trading system. China also shared the same view with 
the US that we are facing a more challenging era, and the trade policies of Members, as well as the 
WTO itself, nee d adapting to keep pace with the time. However, the U.S. statement is full of the 
signals of "America First", which makes us worried.  
5.58.  Less than 24 hours after Ambassador Pag án's statement of U .S. commitment to the 
multilateral trading system, our worries w ere once again confirmed. 36 Chinese entities were added 
to the U.S. export control "black list". The U.S. has once again disregarded WTO rules and ignored 
its multilateral obligations. This is a typical practice of market distortion and economic bullying.  
China firmly opposes this extremely lunatic and completely irrational move. And we have every 
reason to believe that what the U .S. does is not in line with what it advocates.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  5.59.  Now let’s come back to this TPR.  
5.60.  First, the U.S. says it is "pursuing fair compe tition" by formulating environmental rules and 
protecting workers' rights. We believe that one of the basic obligations of WTO Members is not to 
pursue their policy goals by violating the WTO rules. The U .S. has recently detained a large number 
of Chinese photovoltaic products at the port, which seriously disrupted the normal trade of 
photovoltaic products between China and the U .S., and violates rules of both the market and the 
WTO.  
5.61.  Second, the U .S. says that the Inflation Reduction Act is a key policy too l in addressing critical 
climate change objectives, and that all stakeholders can participate in this open and transparent 
process. What needs to be emphasized is that many subsidy policies of the IRA are inconsistent with 
the WTO rules, and no matter what  the procedures are, they cannot conceal the nature of 
incompatibility with the WTO disciplines. Furthermore, as The Economist pointed out, these subsidy 
policies will just make electric vehicles more expensive and low -quality, affecting the realization of  
emission reduction goals.  
5.62.  Third, the United  States has repeatedly emphasized that only absolute technological 
leadership could ensure its national security. China would like to ask, if the U .S. logic is followed, 
how will the national security be guarante ed for those Members who are unable to maintain 
technological leadership?  
5.63.  The United  States has just shared its unique understanding of Article  21 of GATT. It should 
be said that this understanding has been rejected by multiple WTO panel rulings and will be rejected 
in the future. It is very ironic in the multilateral trading system to impose one Member's 
understanding of the Agreement on all other Members.  
5.64.  China is also shocked and regretful to learn that the U .S. "will not even apologize for " the 
policie s and measures implicating national security.  
5.65.  Fourthly, the U .S. said it would make the trading system more resilient, sustainable, and 
inclusive. However, the United  States is attempting to separate China from the chips, electronic 
vehicles, biotechnology  and bio -manufacturing industries through export controls, discriminatory 
subsidies and stringent investment reviews, and those policies have caused serious disruption and 
segmentation of the global industrial and supply chains. Is this the more resilient,  sustainable, and 
inclusive trading system pursued by the United  States?  
5.66.  I would also like to express China 's thanks on the replies from the U .S. to China 's written 
questions. But after closer scrutiny, we found:  
5.67.  First, with regard to questions relating to export control, we are stunned that the U .S. used 
"copy" and "paste" to provide identical answers to more than 40 questions, simply stating that its 
export control practices are in line with its domestic laws and WTO obligations. We are wonderi ng 
how the practices of constant overgeneralizing the national security, measures of long -arm 
jurisdiction, and various coercion of interfering in other Members' trade management laws, could be 
consistent with WTO obligations? We urge the U .S. side to resp ond specifically to those questions.  
5.68.  Second, regarding the compliance of measures related to the Inflation Reduction Act and the 
Chips Act, the U .S. argued that the Trade Policy Review are retrospective exercises and refused to 
elaborate on the details of implementation next step. China would like to ask: whether WTO Members 
have the right to question the US how to implement laws and measures that violate WTO rules in a 
manner consistent with WTO rules?  
5.69.  The original intention of the TPR is to clear up doubts and improve the predictability of trade 
policies. However, by answering questions with irrelevant information, the U .S. clearly has no 
sincerity in fulfilling its transparency obligations, which will damage the authority of the multilateral 
trading system.  
5.70.  Regarding the issue of restoring the fully and well -functioning Dispute Settlement Mechanism 
that Members are generally concerned about, the United  States pointed out in its Government Report 
that "for many years, WTO dispute settlement has not me t the needs of WTO Members, including WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  the United  States ". China can't help but ask, that is the U .S. ultimate goal of reforming the Dispute 
Settlement Mechanism? Is it to ensure that "the U .S. always wins the case"?  
5.71.  Finally, China would like to emphasize t hat "Power invariably means both responsibility and 
danger". It is hoped that the United  States will take responsibility through its own power and truly 
make trade a "force for good" instead of the other way around.  
BRAZIL  
5.72.  I would simply like to commend th e U.S. for its TPR , I believe this has been  a very productive 
and useful exercise for all of us . As we said on the first day, our capital is reviewing the answers 
that the U .S. has provided to our questions, and we will promptly submit any follow -up questi ons 
that Brazil might have . 
5.73.  We look forward to continuing the very positive engagement and collaboration between our 
delegations here in Geneva in areas such as WTO reform, SPS measures , and agriculture . 
5.74.  More broadly, and to conclude, Brazil counts on the United States' leadership as the WTO 
seeks to reaffirm its relevance in a world that is and we will continue to be faced with multiple 
challenges.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
5.75.  On Wednesday, we have once again heard political mantras and allegations against my 
country from a handful of Members, including the Member under Review. I have commented on such 
interventions on multiple occasions and will not indulge in this again. I wil l just reiterate that 
repeating them over and over will not make them true or relevant to the work of this Organization. 
Back to the topic of this meeting.  
5.76.  While listening to Ambassador Pag án's introductory remarks during the first day of this TPR 
we could  not help but notice a glaring disparity between the United  States'  declarations and actions. 
In fact, the U.S. is doing the opposite of what it claims.  
5.77.  Take this TPR as an example. On Wednesday the U.S. claimed that "WTO transparency 
elements are vital a nd valuable ". Trade Policy Review is a transparency exercise at its core, as is 
clearly stated in Annex  3 of the Marrakesh Agreement, establishing the TPRM. Nevertheless, the 
U.S. undermines this mechanism by not answering and even trying to hide a large n umber of 
advance written questions that they deemed uncomfortable. Such approach, when a Member 
explicitly indicates its intention not to answer questions, not only blatantly violates the WTO rules, 
but sets a dangerous precedent for future TPRs. Several y ears ago through our collective inaction 
we allowed the U .S. to effectively dismantle the WTO Dispute Settlement System. If we remain 
silent, TPRM will be next in line.  
5.78.  This approach by the U.S. perfectly fits the alarming claim that – I quote: "WTO rules  are 
important, but they are not an end in and of themselves, nor are they immutable ". Judging by its 
recent actions, it became clear that Washington no longer feels bound by the WTO rules and applies 
a policy of selective compliance with them. I just ment ioned a specific example in relation to this 
TPR. There are many others, which were previously mentioned by my delegation and other Members.  
5.79.  The U.S. stated that "to the extent [trade] policies and measures implicate our national 
security, the United  State s will determine what is necessary. We will not apologize for this. This is a 
fundamental attribute of sovereignty ". And Ambassador Pag án reiterated this position today. Nobody 
disputes that sovereign States are free to take necessary actions for the prote ction of its essential 
security interests. But security exceptions should  not serve as an escape clause from the WTO rules 
and obligations, which seems to be the case when everything is considered as a potential threat.  
5.80.  We would like to remind once again the WTO Membership that mixing politics with trade and 
economics is extremely dangerous for all Members and the MTS. Actions speak louder than words. 
We invite the U.S. to prove its adherence to its WTO commitments and return to constructive 
cooperation.  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  JAPAN  
5.81.  First of all, we thank the United  States delegation led by Ambassador Mar ía Pagán for 
providing us with an excellent oral explanation as well as written responses regarding our  concerns 
and questions . We would also like to express our appreciation for  the helpful remarks and comments 
from the dis cussant , Ambassador Cheryl  K. Spencer . 
5.82.  Japan has carefully read the answers prepared thoroughly  by the United  States to our written 
questions and has submitted follow -up questions in written form . 
5.83.  We would like  to express our sincere appreciation for the tremendous efforts, the 
United  States' delegation has made to respond to our concerns sincerely  and in such a short period 
of time . We are looking forward to receiving answers to our questions in due course . 
5.84.  To conclude my remarks, Japan would like to reiterate our willingness to continue to work 
closely and deepen collaboration with the United  States as the standard bearer  of free trade, as well 
as with other Members to continue to promote a rules -based multilateral t rading  system and to 
ensure its full implementation through the WTO. 
TCHAD AU NOM DU GROUPE COTON -4  
5.85.  Au nom des Pays Membres de l'initiative sectoriel en faveur du coton et de l'ensemble des 
pays africains producteur/exportateur du coton, féliciter les États -Unis pour ce quinzième examen 
de la politique et de pratique commerciales des États -Unis d'Amérique.  
5.86.  Le C4 remercie et félicite la délégation américaine, la Représentante Permanente et toute son 
équipe pour le rôle combien constructif pendant la préservation du système commerciale 
multilatéral. Nous apprécions également l'engagement des États -Unis à soutenir les efforts des pays 
les plus vulnérables notamment les pays moins avancés à créer les conditions favorables à leur 
développement et la réintégration au commerce mondiale dans le respect des règles du commerce 
multilatéral. C'est vrai que les États -Unis sont une grande économie mondiale et sont profondément 
intégrés au niveau mondial et nous saluons effectivement l'exercice de transp arence des États -Unis 
en ce que concerne les notifications et notamment la dernière notification sur le coton.  
5.87.  Et qu'est -ce qu'on observe quand on prend des chiffres des dernières notifications en que 
concerne le coton, on voit bien en termes de chiffres sur le coton USD  1 milliard, USD  50 million de 
soutien accordé au coton pour la campagne 2020 -2021 aux États -Unis. Ce que fait en termes de 
pourcentage 18,5% de la valeur de production et donc, ça nous pose des problèmes et vous savez 
que le coton est un s ecteur stratégique qui représente plus de 40% de revenue d'exportation des 
pays du C4 et jusqu'à 70% de revenue agricole d'exportation. Ces chiffres démontrent le poids et 
l'importance que représente le commerce du coton pour nos pays. Et nous comptons sur  la flexibilité 
et le leadership des États -Unis pour négocier des modalités de plafonnement, des modalités 
spécifiques de plafonnement et d'élimination progressive de toutes les formes de soutien à effet de 
distorsion des échanges dans le secteur du coton.   
5.88.  Nous espérons avec la flexibilité américaine que nous parviendrons ensemble à des résultats 
probants sur le coton d'ici à la prochaine Conférence Ministériale de l'OMC. Le C4 réitère son 
engagement à œuvrer pour garantir le renforcement du système commer cial multilatérale par des 
résultats mesurables qui auront à terme des impacts significatifs sur les conditions de vie des millions 
de population en Afrique qui ne parvient pas à capter les avantages et opportunités que le commerce 
international offre.  
UNITED KINGDOM  
5.89.  The United  Kingdom would just like to join others in thanking the U.S. for their engagement 
with this TPR, a really important exercise in transparency. We  have really welcome d all the efforts 
of the Ambassador and your team for this  week. 
5.90.  On a note of lamb , as someone with a proud Welsh history which many will know is where 
the finest lamb is from in the U nited Kingdom.  I am particularly delighted to this burgeoning love -in 
for British lamb  and encourage all other Members to try it as well . WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  5.91.  I will not repeat our statement from Wednesday, we have raised questions on aspects of U .S. 
policy on trade and including some concerns and we have been grateful for your engagement on 
that, and I know that will continue . We have been very grateful for your responses  this week, and 
we do have a few follow -ups which you  will have shortly . 
5.92.  I think , to me at least, a key theme  this week has been a call from many Members to have 
more U.S. here and more leadership. We look forward to that, and I think you have acknowledged 
you have heard that  loud and  clear, and I think it was very well outlined by ou r marvellous  discuss ant 
as well earlier . 
5.93.  Finally, I just wanted to ad d on the TPR itself, which we talk a lot about th is being important 
transparency measures, but I know that you and your team have been doing quite a lot in this area 
to think about how th ese works. So , I hope this has given you some food thought  this week. We 
look forward to what comes out of that . So, thanks again and congratulations on you r Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The United  States' 15th Trade Policy Review has provided an important and unique opportunity 
to examine and better understand the full range of U.S. trade policies and practices since its last 
Review in 2018. Developments in U.S. trade and related polices have been significant during the 
review period a nd this examination has been timely given the continued economic recovery from 
the COVID -19 pandemic and the current geopolitical situation that continues to impose challenges. 
The Review has been conducted with the active participation of the U.S. delegat ion, headed by 
H.E. Ambassador María  Luisa Pagán, Deputy U .S.Trade Representative, the insightful comments 
provided by our discussant, H.E.  Ambassador M s Cheryl  K. Spencer, Permanent Representative of 
Jamaica to the WTO, and 66  delegations. I would like to  thank them all for their contribution to this 
exercise.  
6.2.  Members stressed that the importance of the United  States to world trade and economic 
prosperity could not be underestimated. As the world's largest single -country importer, the 
United  States account ed for about 17.6% of global imports of goods and services, and 13.6% of 
exports in 2021. Many Members stated that the United  States was one of their top trading partners, 
and often their main export market. A similar situation presented itself with respec t to foreign direct 
investment (FDI) in which the United  States was a leading provider and recipient.  
6.3.  Despite the tendencies to revert to protectionist measures during times of crises, the 
United  States was complimented for keeping trade and investment ch annels open during the 
COVID -19 pandemic. Its ability to recover quickly or lead the economic recovery was appreciated as 
this had knock -on effects on many other economies. While real GDP growth had reached 5.7% 
in 2021, high inflation had thereafter ensue d and remained a concern. Some Members also 
commented on U.S. monetary policies and their impact on trade.  
6.4.  Over the two -day meeting there were numerous statements recognizing U.S. leadership in the 
multilateral trading system and many reiterated the import ance for this to continue. The 
United  States had a defining role in shaping the global trading system and further leadership in its 
ongoing reform was crucial. Members recognized that the United  States had played a critical role in 
securing important outco mes at MC12. Its record on notifications and participation in all the various 
WTO fora was appreciated, including in several Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs). Several Members 
suggested further engagement by the United  States in all JSIs. The majority of Members noted that 
the impasse with respect to the Appellate  Body was jeopardizing the judicial function of the WTO 
and they were hopeful that the United  States would lead the reform efforts so that a fully functional 
dispute settlement system would be ope rational by 2024.  
6.5.  Some Members observed that U.S. trade policy had moved to a worker -centric trade approach 
during the review period through its "Build Back Better" agenda. Addressing areas such as social 
and environmental issues through trade policy was part of this agenda and it was hoped this would 
benefit trading partners as well as the United  States. Members emphasized the importance of 
keeping open, transparent, and non -discriminatory trade policies, as well as of supporting capacity -
building and dev elopment initiatives that were of particular importance to developing countries.  
6.6.  Many Members appreciated the fact that United  States' tariffs remained low with a simple 
average of 4.8% and were essentially unchanged from the previous Review. Other Members  
commented on their long -standing preferential arrangements that were an important vehicle for 
expanding bilateral and regional trade with the United  States. Further, many developing countries 
raised the importance of unilateral preferences, in particular the Generalized System of Preferences 
(GSP), Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and 
requested the renewal of the lapsed GSP programme. Recent U.S. initiatives in certain regions, for 
example, the Indo -Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and the Americas Partnership 
for Economic Prosperity (APEP) were appreciated as important trade initiatives by those partners 
concerned.  
6.7.  Members expressed varying degrees of concern regarding recently adopted tra de policies and 
measures, as well as long -standing  legislation and instruments that determine the effective access 
of trading partners to the U.S. market, including maritime transport restrictions, investment 
screening, and export controls. They noted that  the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included several 
important elements such as the need to lower inflation and accelerate carbon reduction, but also WT/TPR/W/220  
 
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  raised concerns regarding subsidies and the treatment of domestic versus foreign entities. Members 
hoped to  engage more with the United  States in this important area. The issue of subsidies extended 
beyond the IRA to other areas including agriculture and fisheries. Trade distorting support, ad hoc  
measures, a high aggregate measurement of support " amber box ", and box shifting were some of 
the issues mentioned in respect of agriculture.  
6.8.  Many participants pointed out that the United  States remained a significant user of trade 
remedies. Although anti -dumping duties, counter -vailing measures and safeguards remained 
legitimate trade instruments, their prolonged usage under sunset reviews and the use of certain 
methodologies drew concerns by many Members. The resort to other trade remedies, such as 
Section  232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and Section  301 of the Trade Act of 1974, were also 
raised as concerns by several Members. The direction taken in the area of government procurement 
due to Buy American policies as well as Made in America initiatives was worrying to some Members.  
6.9.  During the discussions, adapting to the new world realities was recognized as an important 
theme, both for the United  States' trade policies but also systemically for the WTO. Addressing issues 
related to climate change, sustainable supply chains, environmental standards, and dig ital and 
technological developments was important, and the United  States had shown it stood ready to take 
on these challenges.  
6.10.  It is clear that the U.S. delegation places a high value on the Trade Policy Review Mechanism 
and the multilateral trading system  with its engagement over the two -day meeting and its ability to 
respond to a very high number of advance written questions. With a large number of questions 
submitted within the established deadline, as well as after the deadline or in follow -up, the 
United States has received well over 2,000 written questions in total. This reflects the importance 
of the United  States in the multilateral trading system and the interest of Members in engaging with 
the United  States on its trade and related policies.  
6.11.  The a bove points are some of the key issues that emerged in our discussion over the past 
days. I hope that the U.S. delegation will consider and further reflect on these issues and on the 
many constructive comments that it received during the Review. Members lo ok forward to receiving 
answers to outstanding and follow -up questions within the customary one month . 
 
__________